Question
no.west Michigan zone 3/4
the bush had the typical rugosa leaves but this year the branches died off one by one..and were replaced by dark gr,smooth leatherly leaves and long branching canes. This was supposed to be a own root bush but it looks like it's reverting to org.stock...no buds yet. Or are these suckers that won't bloom but the new branches are coming off the trunk not out of the ground from roots.???
thanks
Sandy

Answer
You are definitely right in your assessment of what the new growth is. It is probably Dr. Huey that is growing and it is obvious that the Rugosa was not own root. However if you had planted another rose many years ago in that same area. it could be activated now and is starting to grow but I would go with your first reasoning.  The Rugosa has died and the understock is taking over. If it blooms and the flower are a deep red, then that will be Dr. Huey.