Ribes Lacustre

Black Gooseberry stems stand upright in sunlight but spread or trail in shaded areas; they are densely covered with golden, bristly prickles and smaller spines at the leaf nodes compared to R. divaricatum. The small leaves feature five deeply lobed indentations. This plant produces 5 to 15 small flowers arranged in pendulous clusters, with calyces varying from pale yellow-green to mahogany-red and pinkish petals. The dark-purple fruits carry glandular hairs. Ideal for moist, naturalistic gardens, Black Gooseberry’s prickles are less severe than those of Coast Black Gooseberry, though some individuals may experience mild allergic reactions. Its distinctive mahogany-bronze hanging flowers add visual interest.