Description
Northern/Common Gooseberry
Scientific Name: Ribes oxyacanthoides
Add a productive edible native to your landscape with Northern Gooseberry (Ribes oxyacanthoides), a hardy shrub found throughout British Columbia. Its tart, juicy berries have long been enjoyed fresh and in preserves.
Northern Gooseberry is well adapted to the varied soils of Interior BC. Its small greenish flowers, spiny stems, and edible berries make it an excellent choice for edible landscapes, woodland gardens, and wildlife plantings.
Growing naturally in open forests, thickets, and rocky slopes, this hardy shrub provides food for pollinators, birds, and people while adding structure to native plantings.
Features
- Native to British Columbia and much of Canada
- Produces tart, juicy edible berries
- Small greenish spring flowers
- Spiny stems provide protective cover
- Adaptable to a range of soils
- Supports pollinators and berry-eating birds
- Ideal for edible and wildlife plantings
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: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Requirements: Moist to moderately dry, well-drained soils
Moisture Requirements: Low to moderate
Hardiness Zone: 2 to 7
Ecological Benefits
Northern Gooseberry’s spring flowers feed hummingbirds and native bees, and its berries feed birds and small mammals. Its spiny form provides protective cover for nesting wildlife. This species supports pollinator habitat and edible native plantings.
Please note: As a native plant, size and appearance may vary depending on the season and stage of growth.
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