Description
Black Gooseberry
Scientific Name: Ribes lacustre
Add an edible native shrub to your shaded and moist plantings with Black Gooseberry (Ribes lacustre), a hardy species found in forests throughout British Columbia. Its dark, tart berries have long been valued as a wild food.
Black Gooseberry is well adapted to the moist, shaded soils of Interior BC forests. Its bristly stems, maple-like leaves, and small hanging flowers make it a useful choice for woodland gardens, edible landscapes, and understory restoration.
Growing naturally in moist forests, streamsides, and wetland edges, this understory shrub feeds wildlife and people alike while adding texture and seasonal berries to shaded native plantings.
Features
- Native to British Columbia and much of Canada
- Produces edible tart purple-black berries
- Attractive reddish spring flowers
- Tolerates shade and moist ground
- Adds texture to woodland plantings
- Supports pollinators and berry-eating birds
- Ideal for understory and watershed restoration
Growing Information
Mature Height: 0.5 to 1.5 m (1.5 to 5 ft)
Spread: 0.5 to 1.5 m (1.5 to 5 ft)
Light Requirements: Partial shade to shade
Soil Requirements: Moist, rich, well-drained soils
Moisture Requirements: Moderate to high
Hardiness Zone: 3 to 7
Ecological Benefits
Black Gooseberry provides nectar for hummingbirds and native bees in spring, and its berries feed birds, bears, and small mammals. As a shade-tolerant understory shrub, it adds structure and diversity to moist forests. This species supports understory and riparian restoration.
Please note: As a native plant, size and appearance may vary depending on the season and stage of growth.
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