Hey there-
I think it was a small piece of my husbands grandmother Saima's rose. It has grown well for many years on the farm in Menahga, near Park Rapids MN.
It is thought by the family that Saima's mother brought it over with her from Finland.
It is a sturdy, to 8+' tall shrub rose that will gradually spread a bit from the roots. It has small but beautiful double white blossoms with a light fragrance blooming all along the branch once in late spring to early summer. It has unusually small and delicate very dark green foliage compared to any other rose I have seen.
A friend who loves roses once thought she may have identified it as a once well known antique/heirloom rose from France from several centuries ago- 1700s I believe. Alas, I can not remember the name she gave me- I believe it was a woman's name..... maybe with a title like countess....
She seemed to think it was a highly sought after rose for those who like the really old world roses.
I like it very much as it is very care free- disease and pest resistant- A tall structural element to a garden- the darker green and delicate foliage add contrast to what ever is planted with it, and of course, it is a bit of family history growing on.
It is however very thorny. Long and short delicate slivers that easily pierce the hands and feet! I have to mow around it, so I get reminded of the thorns frequently.
I do hope you come to enjoy it as much as we have-
Julie