Ribes divaricatum

Habit: this gooseberry grows upright with arching, branches and several thick thorns at leaf nodes. The broad leaves are lobed with toothed margins and hairy undersides. The small inflorescence (cluster) of 3-5 hanging, bell shaped flowers, are not as showy as others in this genus. They have greenish to purple sepals, surrounding a small ring of white or reddish petals with stamens protruding well beyond the petals. Fruit is a shiny black and tasty berry. Blooms from mid to late spring.

Ecology: found along the Pacific Coast from British Columbia through California, growing at low elevations on wet areas, moist open woods, canyons, and coastal bluffs.

Growing Conditions: full sun to partial shade or dappled light in moist to wet soil. Tolerates sand and seasonal flooding.

Provides food, nesting sites and thorny cover for birds.

Always seek advice from a professional before consuming or using a plant medicinally.