Jesse Saylor
Family
Grossulariaceae
Botanical Name
Ribes cynosbati
Plant Common Name
Eastern Prickly Gooseberry
General Description
Sometimes grown in naturalistic gardens in its native eastern North America, this small spiny deciduous shrub bears few-flowered clusters of small, greenish, five-lobed blooms in spring. Small, bristly, several-seeded "currants" follow, ripening to burgundy-red in late summer. The edible fruits are favorites of birds and mammals. The medium-green, three- to five-lobed, maple-like leaves are smooth or downy.
This currant does best in partial shade and moist, well drained soil. Use it in naturalistic and wildlife plantings. As a possible alternate host for white pine blister rust, it may be banned in areas where that disease is extant (http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/FactSheets/wpineblister/wpineblister.htm).
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
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Width
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Canada
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Green
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Fruit Color
Red, Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Wildflower
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
Yes
