this shrub rose was on my parents farm in northern indiana. we now own the farm. the rose had given up due to neglect.

Answer #2 · Maple Tree's Answer · Sharon-Many of the old or antique roses could grow for a hundred years or more. They grew on their own root system therefore they could tolerate winter temperatures and drought. Some of the old roses were often referred to as "subzero roses". One yellow rose that was supposedly carried throughout the U.S. by settlers in the eighteen hundreds was the "Harison's Yellow" rose (Rosa rugosa). I did a little research and found this species does have stems that are heavily covered by thorns that look soft and I guess fuzzy but of course are sharp. The flower looks as though it may look close to what you had described. This rose was also called the 'Pioneer rose'. Another I found was the "Lady Banks" yellow rose. I will continue to research other older varieties that may match your description. I uploaded a few pictures for you to look at below. You can also use Google Images to see other pictures. Some will vary a little of course which like many plants of the same variety differ somewhat from each other depending on location, soil, available nutrients, and sunlight. The Richmond, Indiana A.A.R.S. Rose Garden may also be of some help in identifying the rose that may have been growing in your location. If not too far from you it may make a nice excursion to see many of the older varieties in bloom. You can also contact them as they may have some information that may be helpful in your search. Just click on the link below to go directly to the garden's site.

http://www.waynet.org/nonprofit/rosegarden/

Let me know what you think about the "Harison's Yellow" rose and please ask if you have any other questions.

John)

Answer #1 · Sharon Chenoweth's Answer · no picture of this rose. this rose had to be planted over 100 years ago. i am 78 and the plant was established plant when i was growing up. it was not a single petals rose but again not tightly furled like today's plants. perhaps 2 or 3 layers of petals. and yes the thorns were exactly as you described them. i would like to find a rose (or facsimile) of this to plant beside the old farmhouse we have rehabbed (house was moved to that site in 1900 using log rollers and teams of horses). thanks for your help.)