Wild rose hips are the bright red or orange fruits of wild roses (Rosa spp.), small, round and packed with nutrients. Most common here where I live is the multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), an invasive species that is spreading rapidly and taking over native plant habitats. Although the multiflora rose is invasive, it produces many nutritious, medicinally potent hips, making it perfect for foraging. And as with any invasive species, you don’t have to worry about overfishing; it’s more than okay to collect as much as you need.
These small fruits, which hang on thorny branches long after the roses have withered, are a treasure trove of vitamin C, antioxidants and minerals. Traditionally used to boost the immune system, rose hips have become a favorite for wellness elixirs and teas as the colder months arrive.
Every fall I return to my favorite spot to harvest wild rose hips – a ritual I look forward to every year. I go out early, just after the first frost, to collect these nutritious fruits. It’s satisfying to know that they will soon be turned into warming teas and nourishing syrups for you to enjoy and share in the cold months ahead.
As I fill my basket, I feel rooted in this small but meaningful tradition. It is a practice that connects me to the rhythm of the changing seasons and to the generations of herbalists who understood the quiet joy of working with nature’s gifts. Collecting wild rose hips at their peak is more than just foraging; it reminds us how simple, seasonal actions can bring warmth into our lives. With every wild rose hip I pick, I know I am carrying a piece of lasting wisdom, and it fills me with gratitude.