Rosa canina

Today's the day ..................... for a rose by any other name

According to The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, the common name of the above 'dog rose', is a direct translation of the plant's name from classical Latin - Rosa canina. 

It is thought to have been used to treat the bite of rabid dogs in the 18th and 19th centuries.  Although perhaps the origin of its name may be related to the hooked prickles on the plant that have resemblance to a dog's canines.  There again, it could be considered that the word 'dog' has a disparaging meaning in this context, indicating 'worthless' as compared with cultivated garden roses.

Who knows?  It is still a lovely flower to find in the hedgerow - and when the rosehips appear, a very useful one ....................