Flower Photography - Wild Rose vs Old Garden Rose

Today's photo is what I grew up calling a wild rose. These roses are highly fragrant and can be found growing along roadsides, in ditches and on old abandoned homesteads throughout Maine. I learned today that they really aren't a wild rose at all. According to American Meadows, true wild roses (Rosa species) have only five petals and are nearly always pink, although some are white or yellow.

Hedgerow Rose refers to them as old garden roses. It appears those growing in this area may be either Bourbon, Buck or Portland roses or a cross of two or more. This lovely rose is likely a hardy hybrid that has naturalized and survives for decades after they have been abandoned. While it may not be a true wild rose, it does speak of days-gone-by and likely adorned the gardens of my ancestors.