Coast Black Gooseberry (Ribes divaricatum)

Coast black gooseberry is a deciduous multi-stemmed shrub with long, erect to arching branches. New growth is bristly, but the mature branches are smooth except for the sharp spines at each leaf node. Its leaves resemble small maple leaves, and it produces pretty fuchsia-like flowers in the spring, which attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Purplish-black fruits ripen in the summer, which are edible to both birds and humans, and have better flavour than the other black gooseberry that is native to our region (black swamp gooseberry). Coast black gooseberry may be too wild for a formal garden, but it is an excellent plant for wildlife-friendly hedgerows, and can also be useful for erosion control.

Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade
Soil & Moisture: Prefers moist, well-drained humus-rich soil
Mature Size: 3'-8' tall
Bloom Time: early to mid spring
Edible: Yes (berries)
Wildlife Value: Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Butterfly host plant. Specialist bee host. Fruits eaten by birds and other wildlife. Provides habitat for birds.
Native Range & Habitat: Moist, open forests and hillsides, meadows, streambanks, shorelines, forest edges, and bluffs from low to mid elevations. Grows mainly west of the Cascade Mountains, from British Columbia south to California.
Other Names: Spreading gooseberry, wild gooseberry