  Aims: We aim at detecting and determining the properties of the host galaxy
of the dark GRB 050223.
  Methods: We use VLT optical/NIR images coupled to Swift X-ray positioning,
and optical spectra of the host galaxy to measure its properties.
  Results: We find a single galaxy within the Swift error box of GRB 050223. It
is located at z = 0.584 and its luminosity is L ~ 0.4 L*. Emission lines in the
galaxy spectrum imply an intrinsic SFR > 7 Msun/yr, and a large extinction A_V
> 2 mag within it. We also detect absorption lines, which reveal an underlying
stellar population with an age between 40 Myr and 1.5 Gyr.
  Conclusions: The identification of a host galaxy with atypical properties
using only the X-ray transient suggests that a bias may be present in the
former sample of host galaxies. Dust obscuration together with intrinsic
faintness are the most probable causes for the darkness of this burst.
