Metsäkoiranruusu

Metsäkoiranruusu is the Finnish name for Rosa acicularis, commonly known as prickly wild rose or prickly rose. It is a species of rose native to northern temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. In Finland, it is a widespread and common wild plant, often found in forests, forest edges, clearings, and rocky areas.

The plant is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to be 1-2 meters tall. It has slender, arching stems covered in numerous straight, needle-like prickles, which give it its common and scientific names. The leaves are compound, with 5-7 ovate to oblong leaflets that are serrated along the edges. Flowers are typically solitary or in small clusters, with five petals that are usually pink, though they can vary in shade. The flowering period in Finland is generally from June to August.

Following the bloom, the plant produces red, fleshy fruits called rose hips. These hips are edible and have been used traditionally for food and medicinal purposes due to their high vitamin C content. In Finland, metsäkoiranruusu plays a role in the local ecosystem, providing food and shelter for wildlife. Its distribution across various habitats makes it a familiar sight in the Finnish landscape.