Spreading gooseberry

Ribes divaricatum is a spiny deciduous shrub that grows 3 to 9 ft tall. White flowers are profuse, but not particularly showy. The berries are eatable, and are ripe when black. It likes shady areas and riparian corridors. It is found in central oak woodland, mixed evergreen forest, and Redwood forest along the coast ranges.

Currants and gooseberries are some of the nicest California native plants featuring great flowers, tasty fruit, fragrant foliage, and good fall color. They are loved by many birds including the California Thrasher, the Hermit Thrush, and the American Robin. The flowers are very popular with hummingbirds. As a coastal understory plant, this species does well under oaks and once established, doesn’t need water. Overall they are great in gardens, especially if you like to attract birds.

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade

Water: Light, Moderate

Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand

Other: Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Birds, Attracts Bees, Deer Resistant