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Perennials, that may form thickets, 2-3 feet tall, or clusters of large bushes, depending on species and growing conditions. All wild species have a single row of petals, usually 5, with many typical yellow stamens, and will be smaller than cultivated hybrids. The color is basically pink. Stems are thorny, slightly waxy and sticky. The leaves are pinnate with g~9 leaflets. Flowers mature into hips (fruit) which turns from green, yellow, orange, and after a frost, to dark red. Found at all altitudes, mostly in mountainous areas, above 10,000 feet.
An infusion of the dried flowers or buds, is taken traditionally for diarrhea, headache, earache, dizziness, blood purifier, mouthwash, eyewash, a heart and nerve tonic. The fruits (rose hips), gathered after the first frost, make a pleasant, tart tea, which is high in Vit. C. To preserve the rose hips, gather and chill. Remove the blossom end, stem,and leaves and wash quickly. Bring 1 1/2 cups water, add 1 cup hips, simmer 15 minutes. Let stand 24 hrs, strain off extract liquid, bring to boil, add 2 tablespoons lemon juice for each pint. Pour into jars and seal. 2 teaspoons should supply an adults daily need for Vit.C. Refrigerate after opening.
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