American gooseberry (Ribes hirtellum, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 111 (1803))

Family: Grossulariaceae

Author: Michx.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 111 (1803)

Year: 1803

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ribes

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The American gooseberry, scientifically known as Ribes hirtellum, belongs to the Grossulariaceae family. This resilient and versatile plant has captured the interest of botanists and gardeners alike thanks to its unique characteristics and wide geographical distribution.

First described by Michx. in 1803, the American gooseberry has found a home across diverse regions, spanning from Canada to North Carolina and throughout the eastern United States. Its adaptability to various environments makes it a prominent species within its habitat range.

Characterized by its distinctive small, round berries, which can range in color from green to reddish or even purple when ripe, the American gooseberry plant is not only valued for its fruit but also for its utility in gardening and horticulture. The berries are known for their tart flavor, making them suitable for various culinary uses, including jams, jellies, and desserts.

The plant itself typically grows into a thorny, deciduous shrub, which can serve as a natural hedgerow or a feature plant in garden landscapes. The shrub’s distinctive leaves and blossoms add aesthetic appeal and also provide habitat and food for various wildlife.

Given its extensive history and continued relevance in both natural and cultivated settings, the American gooseberry remains a topic of interest within botanical studies and practical horticulture. Its presence from the broad expanses of Canada down through the eastern United States ensures that Ribes hirtellum will continue to be a valued species for both its ecological contributions and its practical applications in gardens and kitchens alike.

Common Names

Eng: american gooseberry, hairy gooseberry, hairy-stem gooseberry, hairystem gooseberry, wedge-leaf gooseberry, swamp gooseberry, low wild gooseberry, northern gooseberry, smooth gooseberry, wedge-leaved gooseberry, wild gooseberry
Deu: amerikanische stachelbeere
Fra: groseillier hérissé, groseillier de marécages, groseillier à trois fleurs
En: American gooseberry, Hairy gooseberry, Wedge-leaf gooseberry, Hairy-stem gooseberry, Hairystem gooseberry, Swamp gooseberry, Low wild gooseberry, Northern gooseberry, Smooth gooseberry, Wedge-leaved gooseberry, Wild gooseberry
Ar: كشمش خشن الملمس
Zh: 美洲醋栗
Fr: Groseillier hérissé, Groseillier de marécages, Groseillier à trois fleurs
De: Amerikanische Stachelbeere

Synonyms

• Grossularia hirtella ((Michx.) Spach)
• Ribes hirtellum var. saxosum (Fernald)
• Grossularia saxosa ((Hook.) Lunell)
• Ribes saxosum (Hook.)
• Ribes oxyacanthoides var. hirtellum ((Michx.) Scoggan)
• Ribes oxyacanthoides var. saxosum ((Hook.) Coville)
• Ribes hirtellum var. calcicola (Fernald)
• Ribes hirtellum var. inerme (Smiley)
• Ribes oxyacanthoides var. calcicola (Fernald)

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Vermont (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Sep 13, 2019 by Jordi Gómez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2019 by Jordi Gómez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2021 by Aaron Hamblin (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 5, 2022 by Rahul Wakare (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2986164)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:220946-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ribes hirtellum Michx.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth