Family: Grossulariaceae
Author: Douglas
Bibliography: Trans. Hort. Soc. London 7: 515 (1830)
Year: 1830
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Ribes
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Canada to Oregon
Description
Wild black gooseberry, scientifically known as Ribes divaricatum, is a fascinating plant species first documented by the botanist Douglas in 1830, as highlighted in the Transactions of the Horticultural Society of London. This perennial shrub belongs to the Grossulariaceae family and has garnered attention for its distribution and ecological significance across North America.
Native to the western regions of Canada and extending down to Oregon, the wild black gooseberry thrives in a range of environments. It typically favors moist woodlands and coastal regions where the climate supports its growth. The plant is distinguished by its intricate branching pattern and thorny stems, which provide a natural defense mechanism against herbivores.
In terms of appearance, the wild black gooseberry exhibits dark green, lobed leaves that contribute to its dense foliage. Small yet striking, its flowers possess a purplish hue and bloom in clusters, typically in the spring. These blossoms then give way to the plant’s namesake fruit – the small, round, and darkly colored gooseberries which ripen from mid to late summer. These berries are not only a seasonal treat for wildlife but have also been utilized by indigenous populations for their nutritional value.
Ecologically, Ribes divaricatum plays a crucial role in its native habitats. Its berries provide an essential food source for various bird and mammal species, while its foliage and thorny structure offer shelter. Additionally, by contributing to the plant diversity of woodland and coastal ecosystems, it helps maintain ecological balance and resilience.
In summary, the wild black gooseberry represents a plant of both beauty and utility. Its robust presence from W. Canada to Oregon, coupled with its botanical characteristics and ecological importance, makes Ribes divaricatum a noteworthy species within the Grossulariaceae family. Whether acknowledged for its historical documentation by Douglas or its contemporary ecological contributions, this plant continues to be a subject of interest and admiration.
Common Names
Deu: oregon-johannisbeere, oregon-stachelbeere
Dan: oregonstikkelsbær
Eng: spreading gooseberry, coast gooseberry, coastal black gooseberry, straggly gooseberry, wild black gooseberry, coast black gooseberry
Swe: spärrkrusbär, grön taggrips
Nob: svartstikkelsbær
Nno: svartstikkelsbær
Nld: worcesterbes
Fra: groseillier divariqué
En: Wild black gooseberry, Coast gooseberry, Coastal black gooseberry, Spreading gooseberry, Straggly gooseberry, Coast black gooseberry
Da: Oregonstikkelsbær
Nl: Worcesterbes
Fr: Groseillier divariqué
De: Oregon-Stachelbeere, Oregon-Johannisbeere
Nb: Svartstikkelsbær
Nn: Svartstikkelsbær
Sv: Spärrkrusbär, Grön taggrips
Synonyms
- Grossularia divaricata ((Douglas) Coville & Britton)
Distribution
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Washington (native)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Norway (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Aug 2, 2022 by Steve (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2022 by Steve (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2022 by Steve (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 16, 2002 by EOL − Dean Wm. Taylor (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 5, 2016 by EOL − mbalame99 (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken May 7, 2022 by Schofield Leo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 4, 2011 by EOL − Ryan Batten (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 10, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken Jul 18, 2020 by David Koser (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 25, 2022 by HK (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 13, 2019 by Carolyn Herman (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 10, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 18, 2020 by David Koser (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2022 by Steve (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 10, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 7, 2014 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 2, 2022 by Steve (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2022 by Steve (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2022 by Steve (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2022 by Steve (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2986132)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:284297-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ribes divaricatum Douglas)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub