Spreading Gooseberry (Ribes divaricatum)

Spreading Gooseberry

(Ribes divaricatum)

Spreading Gooseberry (Ribes divaricatum)

Nadiatalent

CC BY-SA 3.0

Image By: Nadiatalent

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Ribes divaricatum, commonly known as Spreading Gooseberry, is a deciduous shrub native to the moist forest understories, stream banks, and marsh edges in the Pacific Northwest of the United States and British Columbia. It can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) tall and wide, with arching stems that are armed with one to three thick brown spines at each leaf node. The leaves are 1-3 inches long, palmately lobed, and have a toothed margin. From April to May, it produces drooping clusters of small flowers, each with reflexed purple-tinged green sepals and smaller, lighter petals that encircle long, protruding stamens. The flowers are modest in appearance but attract hummingbirds and beneficial insects. The fruit is a sweet-tasting, edible berry, about 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter, turning black when ripe and favored by birds and other wildlife.

Spreading Gooseberry is valued for its wildlife-friendly attributes, edible fruit, and tolerance of wet conditions. It is suitable for naturalistic plantings, restoration projects, and as a thorny barrier. This shrub thrives in partial to full sun, requires medium amounts of water, and is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. While it is not commonly found in the nursery trade, it can be a unique addition to native plant gardens. Gardeners should be aware that it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust diseases, and its spines make it somewhat difficult to handle.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub
Height: 3-6 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Red, Pink, Purple, Green
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant

Natural Habitat

Moist forest understories, stream banks, and marsh edges

Other Names

Common Names: Straggly Gooseberry, Wild Black Gooseberry, Coast Gooseberry, Coastal Black Gooseberry, Coast Black Gooseberry, Oregon-Stachelbeere, Groseillier Divariqué, Svartstikkelsbær, Worcesterbes, Grön Taggrips, Spärrkrusbär

Scientific Names: , Ribes divaricatum, Ribes irriguum, Ribes suksdorfii, Grossularia divaricata, Ribes divaricatum var. glabriflorum, Ribes divaricatum var. douglasii, Grossularia irrigua, Ribes divaricatum var. amictum, Ribes divaricatum var. rigidum,

GBIF Accepted Name: Ribes divaricatum Douglas