Canadian Wild Rose
Summer is in full swing here in Canada. The forests and skies are alive with vibrant shades of green and blue. It is the season when nature feels most awake. Since Canadian summers are so short, wild harvesting happens in full force. And when wild rose season comes around, usually from late May to early June, it always feels special. My heart skips a beat every year.
This year, I also had the chance to explore wild roses in Japan. In Hokkaido, they’re known as Hamanasu. Their shape and colour closely resemble the Canadian variety, but their scent is more subtle, delicate and refined.
I even found wild roses at the base of Mt. Fuji. I had always associated them with coastal landscapes, but there, nestled in the forest, they bloomed quietly among the mountain greenery. I came across them at Terrace Fuji, a floral remedy research lab on the Asagiri Plateau. The tiny blossoms looked like clustered cherry blossoms, but their fragrance was surprisingly bold.
While there, I experienced their signature flower card session, led by the owner, Mr. Sakamoto. After a short chat, I was invited into a room lined with 39 flower cards and asked to choose intuitively. The wild rose card caught my eye instantly, as if it was whispering, “Welcome.”
In the world of flower remedies, wild roses symbolize resilience in the face of adversity. Roses are often seen as symbols of "love" and "beauty", but the notion of silent resilience really struck me. The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. The Canadian wild roses I know bloom along rugged coastlines, weathering strong sea winds with grace and toughness. They fit that message perfectly.
Returning to Canada and revisiting my usual wild rose spots, I was reminded again of their strength. When I harvested the petals for the first time this year and held one in my hand, the scent captivated me as it always does. Boldly fragrant and truly special. No perfume compares.
Maybe it is true that you find your deepest connection with the land you live on. Because in that moment, as I smelled the flower, I thought without hesitation: “Of all the wild roses in the world, I love the Canadian ones the most.
