| Scientific name | Rosa canina L., primarily; other species of the genus Rosa depending on origin |
|---|---|
| Other names | Rose hip, dog rose fruit, hip |
| Appearance | Small, fleshy, ovoid to rounded false fruit, becoming wrinkled and harder after drying. Its interior contains several achenes surrounded by fine hairs |
| Smell | Mild, fruity, and slightly tart, more subtle after drying |
| Color | Orange-red to dark red when ripe, then reddish brown to brown after drying |
| Parts used | Whole dried false fruit, fleshy husk cleared of achenes and hairs, fragments, or powder |
| Origins | Europe, North Africa, Madeira, Central Asia, and regions extending to Pakistan |
| Toxicity level | Low. The hairs surrounding the achenes can irritate the skin, eyes, mouth, and digestive system. They must be removed before any culinary use. Rose hips marketed for ritual practices are not intended for consumption |
