Rose hips
Rosa spp. · pasture rose reference: Rosa carolina
Rose hips are the red or orange fruits left after rose flowers fade. Identified rose hips have culinary uses after preparation. Wild roses and cultivated roses vary in fruit shape and quality.
Native range
Rosa carolina: eastern North America. Other Rosa species originate across the Northern Hemisphere.
Typical season
Broad autumn reference for mature hips; fruit remaining into winter does not establish its condition.
Identification
Compare compound toothed leaves, prickles, flowers and hips. Rosa carolina is one native reference, not every rose bush. Remove internal seeds and irritating hairs during preparation; avoid florist roses and plants with unknown spray histories.