White-stem gooseberry (Ribes inerme, Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 1: 202 (1900))

Family: Grossulariaceae

Author: Rydb.

Bibliography: Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 1: 202 (1900)

Year: 1900

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ribes

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Canada to W. & WC. U.S.A.

Description

The White-stem gooseberry, known scientifically as Ribes inerme, is a notable member of the Grossulariaceae family. This plant possesses distinguishing features that have made it a subject of botanical interest since its description was recorded in the “Mem. New York Bot. Gard.” in 1900 by the author Rydb.

Characterized by its white to pale stems, the White-stem gooseberry is predominantly found across a broad geographic range. It spans from western Canada down through the western and west-central regions of the United States. Its adaptation to varied climates in these areas demonstrates the species’ versatile nature and its ability to thrive in different environmental conditions.

Botanically, the White-stem gooseberry is renowned for its aesthetic appeal and practicality. The plant produces berries that not only add to the foliage’s visual allure but also serve as a food source for local wildlife. These berries, in line with other members of the Grossulariaceae family, can vary in color from green to deep purple as they ripen.

In terms of habitat, Ribes inerme flourishes in environments ranging from open woodlands to forest edges and montane regions. It is commonly observed to grow in well-drained soils, benefiting from the sporadic sun that filters through taller vegetation. Such growth conditions contribute to its resilience and the ability to maintain its presence across disparate regions.

The plant’s morphological adaptations—such as thorny stems—serve as a defense mechanism against herbivores, further ensuring its longevity and persistence in the wild. This characteristic, combined with its ethereal white stems, provides a unique contrast in the plant landscape, making it a fascinating subject for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

In summary, the White-stem gooseberry, or Ribes inerme, is a remarkable species whose presence adorns the western and west-central parts of North America. Its botanical characteristics and capacity to adapt to various habitats underscore its evolutionary success and the enduring intrigue it holds within the study of plant life.

Common Names

Eng: white-stem gooseberry, whitestem gooseberry, white-stemmed gooseberry
Fra: groseillier inerme
En: White-stem gooseberry, Whitestem gooseberry, WHITESTEM GOOSEBERRIES, White-stemmed gooseberry
Fr: Groseillier inerme

Synonyms

• Ribes divaricatum var. inerme ((Rydb.) McMinn)
• Grossularia inermis ((Rydb.) Coville & Britton)

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 30, 2015 by EOL − Gary Griffith (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2013 by EOL − faerthen (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 30, 2015 by EOL − Gary Griffith (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2015 by EOL − Gary Griffith (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2019 by Riley L (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 6, 2020 by B Cammi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2015 by EOL − Gary Griffith (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2009 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 29, 2013 by EOL − naturelover2 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 11, 2013 by EOL − Jeannette Warnert (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 6, 2013 by EOL − faerthen (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 30, 2015 by EOL − Gary Griffith (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2015 by EOL − mhfajans (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Jul 6, 2013 by EOL − faerthen (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2986112)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:220963-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ribes inerme Rydb.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Multiple Stem

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 6.0