Pink Ice

by Connie Handscomb

Title

Pink Ice

Artist

Connie Handscomb

Medium

Photograph - Photography - Fine Art

Description

Nature is but a name for an effect....
~ William Cowper (1731-1800)

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Rosa acicularis (wild rose; prickly rose; Arctic flame) ; Rosa arkansana (wild prairie rose; Arkansas rose); Rosa nutkana (Nootka rose) ... to name a few ... :)

Family: Rosaceae (rose family)

This fragrant perennial is native to North America, and several species are commonly found in the Canadian provinces along roadsides, pastures and open ranges. The Rosa acicularis (wild rose) is the floral emblem of Alberta. The Rosa nutkana (Nootka rose) is found in British Columbia, a treat for the butterflies.

All parts of the wild rose are used: the roots, leaves, flowers, fruits - even the thorns (aboriginals used them for fishing lures). The flowers are emollient, and both the rose petals and rosehips are used in therapeutic cosmetics. The leaves are astringent (tannins) and rosewater is used for healthy complexions, as well as its lovely fragrance. The fruit antimicrobial provide flavonoids (anti-spasmodics). Water or oil infusions, and teas can be made. In the backwoods, the petals can be used as a "bush bandage" for cuts, scrapes, or bug bites: the petals absorb heat from wound & stop the inflammation. The rose petals are also edible, so if you are starving in the backwoods, you can also chew on them (remove the bitter white base first). At home, sprinkle the petals on salads, add to a sandwich, or candy them for a decorative confection. Vinegars, jams, and syrups can be made from them.

The red rosehips are the fruits of the plants. They are formed after bees have pollinated the rose flower so if you want the rosehips to ripen, do not remove dead flower heads. The rosehips [Rosa rugosa] can be gathered in autumn after the first frost, dried, and used in teas, jams or jellies, and rosehip pectin is a thickener in baked goods and puddings. Rosehips are high in Vitamin C - apparently, there is 20x more Vitamin C in the rosehips than in an orange, although I could not find the specific amount of rosehips required; medicinally, the deepest red petals are best.

The wild rose is thick with pollen : the bright yellow anthers are a food source for birds, wildlife, as well as insects, including bees.

Roses are equated with romance, peace, and fulfillment; wearing one is believed to bring love. They bring good luck, and if planted in a garden, will bring abundance - as well as bloom from May through to September. For potpourris, if picked in the morning as soon as the dew is dry, the dried roses will hold the scent longer.

Sources:
fr. Boreal Herbal; & The Canadian Wildlife Federation
Homegrown Teas [Cassie Liversidge]
Uncommon Beauty [Neil Jennings]
Illustrated Encyclopedia of Magical Plants [S.Gregg]
Fragrance In Bloom [A.Lovejoy]
Weeds Of Canada and the N. United States [Boyer; Dickinson]

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When I go shopping, my camera comes along with me. And I like to walk to where I'm going so it can take a few hours to reach my destination sometimes (seriously).

On one of these trips on a bright sunny day, I came upon some wild rose bushes, coral pink petals so delicate,almost the colour of frozen ice, softly crinkled like the finest crepe paper. The pollen in these blooms is thick and sticky, and the gentle fragrance an added attraction.

Captured in natural light; unedited; uncropped .. nature in all its natural splendour .. ..

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♥ Heartfelt Gratitude to FAA groups for featuring this image ;

Macro Marvels
Macro Photography

Uploaded

March 31st, 2016

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