What’s your favourite colour?
I’ve been called “showy” more than once. In summer, my flowers are a gorgeous pink. In fall, my leaves turn flaming red. And in winter, my “hips” are a stunning orange. If you’ve got it, flaunt it!
Do you have a nickname?
Wild rose, rambling rose, pasture rose, prairie rose. I have lots of names. In Mi’kmaq, I am Pakaji’jewe’l (according to the L’nui’suti app). My Latin name is Rosa virginiana or Virginia rose.
What’s your claim to fame?
Where do I start? I’ve been featured in songs, poems and books from Shakespeare to Drake! Most often, roses are associated with romantic love. This probably goes back to Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love. And while many people give red roses to show their affection, I think all roses—even wild ones—are romantic.
Ever been misunderstood?
I’m often confused with Rosa rugosa. But look closely and you’ll see that rugosa has rippled leaves (rugosa means wrinkled) while my leaves are smooth. I have nothing against wrinkles, of course; they come to us all! But the rugosa you see on shorelines can be invasive. Virginia rose and my sister Carolina rose are happy to leave room for other plants.
What’s your superpower?
I’m a superfood! Rose shoots, buds, seeds, leaves, petals and hips are all human-friendly. In fact, rose hips can contain 20-30 times more vitamin C than oranges. They make a delicious tea or jelly—and you can find them right here in your backyard!
BFFs?
One of my best friends in winter is the Northern Cardinal. Rose hips can stay on my branches straight through until spring. They provide a nutritious snack for lots of birds, but cardinals also like the seeds. You might see my little friend breaking open rose hips and nibbling at the seeds.
One wish?
Share the love! Leave some rose hips on winter branches. They will feed the birds and make your winter walks even more beautiful.
