Frosted Rose Hips – Colorado

Frosted Rose Hips – Foothills, Colorado

Exquisite feathers of frost, like a white shadow, outline the crimson rose hips and thorny stems of a wild rose. The wild rose, of which their are several recognized species, is common throughout central and western North America. Producing a constellation of delicate pink flowers in the warmer months, the wild rose retains only its distinctive red seed pods, or rose hips, into the winter. Parts of the rose hips, are edible and medicinal. The sour fruit is used in many recipes, including teas, marmalades, wines, and pies.  Rose hips also contain high concentrations of vitamin C and lycopene, and may help prevent colds. Many Native American tribes used rose hips to treat respiratory ailments.