WILD ROSE

Unlike its domesticated relatives, the wild rose requires no particular care. It thrives on the edges of woods, fields and swampy areas where its three-inch pink flowers attract many kinds of bees, wasps and other insects. Few enemies molest the two to six foot shrub because of the protective covering of tiny thorns on its branches and stems.

Wild rose plants should be introduced to the home garden whenever possible because of their beauty, hardihood and the reddish-brown fruit that appears after the flowers drop. After the first frost, the large berries which are high in Vitamin C make an excellent jelly. Many species of birds eat them as do deer, raccoon, opossum, bear and muskrat.

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