Rose hips are the bright red or orange fruit of wild roses (Rosa spp.), small, round, and packed with nutrients. Most abundant where I live is the multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), an invasive species that spreads quickly and invades native plant habitats. While invasive, the multiflora rose produces many nutritious, medicinally powerful hips, making it perfect for foraging. And as with any invasive, there's no need to worry about overharvesting—it's more than okay to harvest as much as you need.
These tiny fruits, clinging to thorny branches long after the roses have faded, 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 roll in.
Every fall, I return to my favorite spot to harvest wild rose hips—a ritual I look forward to every year. I leave early, right after the first frost, to collect these nutritious fruits. It's satisfying to know that they will soon be transformed into warming teas and nourishing syrups to be enjoyed and shared during the cold months ahead.
As I fill my basket, I feel grounded in this small but significant tradition. It's a practice that connects me to the rhythm of the changing seasons and to generations of herbalists who understood the quiet joy of working with nature's gifts. Gathering wild rose hips in their prime is more than just foraging; it's a reminder of how simple seasonal actions can bring warmth to our lives. With each wild rose hip I pick, I know I'm passing along a piece of enduring wisdom, and it fills me with gratitude.
