Family: Grossulariaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 202 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Ribes
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The American gooseberry, scientifically known as Ribes cynosbati, is a versatile deciduous shrub belonging to the family Grossulariaceae. This resilient plant is commonly found in the northeastern regions of North America, extending from eastern Canada down to North Carolina and across the eastern United States.
First described in 1753 by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work, “Species Plantarum,” the American gooseberry has since been recognized both for its ecological importance and its utility in human cultivation. Ribes cynosbati thrives in a variety of habitats, often preferring wooded or semi-shaded areas with well-drained, fertile soil. It typically grows to a height of 3 to 5 feet, sporting thorny branches that make it a natural deterrent for herbivorous wildlife.
The plant produces berries that are the hallmark of its common name. These berries, initially green, ripen to a reddish or purplish hue. They are generally globular with a somewhat hairy or spiny surface. While the berries are tart in their raw form, they are often harvested for culinary purposes, notably in jams, jellies, and desserts, where their unique flavor profile shines. In addition to their use in the kitchen, the fruits are appreciated for their nutritional value, being rich in vitamins C and K as well as antioxidants.
Horticulturally, the American gooseberry is valued for both its fruit and its potential as an ornamental plant. It offers aesthetic appeal through its lush, lobed foliage and its clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers which appear in late spring. These flowers not only add to the visual charm of gardens but also attract a variety of pollinators, thereby supporting local biodiversity.
Despite its many benefits, the American gooseberry does require thoughtful management due to its susceptibility to certain plant diseases, especially powdery mildew and anthracnose. However, with adequate care and the selection of resistant cultivars, these issues can be effectively mitigated.
In summary, Ribes cynosbati is a multifaceted species with significant ecological, culinary, and ornamental value. Whether in a wild woodland environment or a carefully curated garden, the American gooseberry stands as a testament to the rich botanical heritage of the regions it inhabits.
Common Names
Eng: american gooseberry, dogberry, dogbramble, eastern prickly gooseberry, pasture gooseberry, prickly gooseberry
Deu: hagebutten-stachelbeere, hunds-stachelbeere
Fra: groseillier des chiens, groseillier piquant, groseillier ronce de chien, groseillier-ronce des chiens
En: American gooseberry, Pasture gooseberry, Prickly gooseberry, Dogberry, Dogbramble, Eastern prickly gooseberry, PASTURE CURRANT
Be: Агрэст шыпаваты
Fr: Groseillier des chiens, Groseillier piquant, Groseillier ronce de chien, Groseillier-ronce des chiens
De: Hunds-Stachelbeere, Hagebutten-Stachelbeere
Synonyms
- Grossularia cynosbati var. villosa (A.Berger)
- Ribes cynosbati f. atrox ((Fernald) B.Boivin)
- Ribes huronense (Rydb.)
- Grossularia cynosbati ((L.) Mill.)
- Ribes cynosbati var. atrox (Fernald)
- Ribes cynosbati var. glabratum (Fernald)
- Ribes cynosbati f. inerme (Rehder)
- Grossularia cynosbati var. inermis ((Rehder) A.Berger)
- Ribes cynosbati f. invitans (F.Seym.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Québec (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken May 11, 2021 by kathy gilbert (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 16, 2021 by Anne Rousseau (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2021 by Freedom Forall (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2021 by brian brian (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 9, 2021 by L Warren (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 24, 2020 by Laurie Smith (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2020 by Erin Froehlich (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2020 by kristina (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2020 by KRose Lynn (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 26, 2020 by Tom Georgiadis (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 15, 2022 by tmzante (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Scott Nottmeier (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2022 by Eric (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 24, 2020 by Laurie Smith (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jun 5, 2022 by Wendy (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Nov 15, 2013 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 11, 2014 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 12, 2013 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 22, 2014 by EOL − naturalheritagetech (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 12, 2015 by EOL − Mike Leveille (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Jun 1, 2020 by Eddie Veenstra (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2021 by Dayna Hillcrest (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2022 by Robin W (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2986152)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:792648-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ribes cynosbati L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub