Common Name: |
Eglantine |
Other Names: |
Sweet Briar |
Botanical Name: |
Rosa rubiginosa syn. R. eglanteria |
Genus: |
Rosa |
Family: |
Rosaceae |
Native Location: |
Europe, W Asia, and N Africa; naturalized in N America. |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained, moist, rich neutral to slightly acid soil (including clay) in sun. Rosa rubiginosa enjoys dry, calcareous conditions; R. laevigata thrives in poor soils, R. rugosa tolerates dry, sandy or coastal conditions. Remove dead and damaged wood, and prune lightly in early winter, removing weak growths. Most species and old roses flower on the previous year's growth and should not be cut back hard. Rose hips, especially of R. rugosa, may be damaged by birds. Leaves may be damaged by blackspot, downy mildew, rust, viruses, and sawfly. Buds and flowers are prone to attack by aphids. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in autumn (species only); by budding in summer; by hardwood cuttings in autumn. |
Harvest: |
Petals are collected when flowers first open and distilled for oil and rose water, used fresh for syrups, crushed into pastes, or dried for use in decoctions. Fruits are picked when ripe and used fresh or dried in decoctions, or made into syrups and candy. Seeds (R. rubiginosa) from ripe fruits are processed commercially for oil extraction. |
Height: |
2.5m (8ft) |
Width: |
2.5m (8ft) |
Warning: |
Hips and seeds contain irritant hairs. R. canina and R. rubiginosa are subject to statuatory control as weeds in some countries, notably in parts of Australia and the USA. |
Hardiness: |
Z5-8 |
Parts Used: |
Oil (seeds). |
Properties: |
A healing herb that promotes tissue regeneration. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Externally for burns, scars, and wrinkles. |
Bibliography: |
The Encyclopedia or Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp. 346-347 |