Canyon Gooseberry
(Ribes menziesii)
Canyon Gooseberry (Ribes menziesii)
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Chloe and Trevor Van Loon
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Chloe and Trevor Van Loon
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Chloe and Trevor Van Loon | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Chloe and Trevor Van Loon | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-04-11T08:41:26-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ribes menziesii, commonly known as Canyon Gooseberry, is a deciduous shrub native to chaparral, mixed evergreen forests, and coastal sage scrub of California and Oregon. It can grow up to 2 meters (6.6 ft) in height and is known for its aromatic quality and very prickly branches. The leaves are somewhat rounded, hairy, and glandular, with a green hue. Canyon Gooseberry is notable for its showy hanging flowers, which bloom from late winter to early spring. The sepals are reflexed, displaying a vibrant fuchsia or purple color, while the petals are white and form a loose tube from which the stamens protrude. After flowering, the plant produces purple gooseberries that are mainly seeds with little flesh and are generally considered unpalatable due to their taste and the difficulty in harvesting caused by the plant’s spines.
Canyon Gooseberry is appreciated in cultivation for its attractive spring blooms and is used in native plant and wildlife gardens, particularly in regions with a climate similar to coastal California. It provides ecological benefits by supporting local wildlife, including serving as a food source for certain bird species. The plant thrives in part shade and requires low to medium amounts of water, making it suitable for drought-tolerant landscapes. It adapts well to soils with medium or fast drainage. While it is relatively easy to maintain, gardeners should be cautious of its spines during handling.CC BY-SA 4.0
Canyon Gooseberry is appreciated in cultivation for its attractive spring blooms and is used in native plant and wildlife gardens, particularly in regions with a climate similar to coastal California. It provides ecological benefits by supporting local wildlife, including serving as a food source for certain bird species. The plant thrives in part shade and requires low to medium amounts of water, making it suitable for drought-tolerant landscapes. It adapts well to soils with medium or fast drainage. While it is relatively easy to maintain, gardeners should be cautious of its spines during handling.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 6-10 feet
- Width: 4-7 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red, White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
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, Rabbit Resistant
Natural Habitat
Native to chaparral, mixed evergreen forests, and coastal sage scrub of California and Oregon
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: Ribes menziesii , Ribes menziesii var. menziesii , Ribes occidentale , Ribes menziesii var. retineatum , Grossularia menziesii , Grossularia menziesii var. subvestita , Ribes ferox , Ribes occidentale var. albidum
GBIF Accepted Name: Ribes menziesii Pursh