Hawthorn and rose hips are very similar in appearance, but at the same time, these plants are different in their nature and effect on humans. They differ in shape, size of leaves, flowers, fruits, and also have various medicinal properties.

Since the berries of these two plants are often confused, it makes sense to understand in more detail how to distinguish them from each other.

What is a hawthorn and what does it look like?

As for the hawthorn, this plant looks like a tall shrub or a small tree. Like the wild rose, sharp needles are densely located on the branches, but they are thicker and larger. Hawthorn berries are small, bright red when ripe, contain many vitamins, as well as potassium and iron.

Hawthorn is often prescribed for people suffering from cardiovascular disease. The berries of this plant:

• dilates blood vessels;
• increases the level of hemoglobin;
• restores heart rate;
• normalizes cholesterol;
• improves blood circulation, including cerebral.

The fruits of this shrub also contain tannins, vitamins and minerals, pectin, fatty acids, and other useful substances.

What do rosehip berries look like?

Rosehip is a deciduous shrub with abundant needles on its branches and stems. Outwardly it is similar to an ordinary garden rose, but differs in a simpler flower shape and increased endurance. Suitable for human consumption, the berries of the plant contain a large amount of vitamins B, E, K, and PP.

Its berries contain a record amount of ascorbic acid. Rosehip is also a real storehouse of vitamins, minerals, and other useful substances. It contains:

• carotenoids;
• iron and other micro- and macroelements;
• vitamins of group B;
• vitamin PP, E, and K;
• magnesium and potassium,
• fatty acids, etc.

Due to its unique composition, rosehip decoction is used to treat a variety of diseases:

• Cold and flu;
• Hypertension and vascular disease;
• Diseases of joints and cartilage tissues;
• Gastroenterology;
• Low immunity.

The unique healing properties of rose hips are much broader than those listed above. Many years ago it was proved that rose hips have a beneficial effect on all human organs.

What is the difference between the berries of these two plants?

Rosehip and hawthorn berries are somewhat similar in appearance, but inside the rosehip, there is a fibrous seed capsule with several small seeds, while the hawthorn has soft fruits with one stone. The rosehip berry is covered with small stiff bristles, rough to the touch, and the surface of the hawthorn fruit is even and smooth.

Rosehip differs from hawthorn in appearance, small maximum height, and thinner needles on the branches. In terms of valuable properties, cultures have a lot in common. At the same time, the main difference between the wild rose is the increased content of vitamin C in the fruit.

Is it possible to combine rosehip and hawthorn berries?

The berries of these two plants are often taken by people at the same time in the treatment of a number of diseases. This is not surprising, because hawthorn and rose hips have long been considered a storehouse of vitamins and indispensable home healers.

Hawthorn and rose hips are often brewed with red rowan berries, raspberries, black currants, and apples. Turn cranberry or other sour berry juice into the resulting drink. If the drink is too concentrated, it is used as a tea brew.