© Greg Rabourn
black gooseberry fruits (enlarge)

Ribes lacustre

Deciduous Shrub

Height: 5 ft.

Availability: Medium

Growing ease: Medium

Moisture req.: moist - wet

Exposure req.: sun - shade

Plant description:

This plant prefers some water nearby and grows best next to a stream or on a low slope. It can handle dry conditions in the shade. Smaller than the more edible variety of gooseberry, the small fruits of black gooseberry are best left to wildlife. The flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds. The profuse thorns can cause allergic reations in some individuals.

Keywords: birds, black, butterflies, fire-resistant , fruit, red, thorns or prickles

Articles that mention this plant: Deer resistant plants