Northern Gooseberry

Northern Gooseberry is a hardy native shrub with attractive foliage, delicate flowers, and small, flavourful berries. It is self-fertile and adaptable, growing well in a range of soils and in full sun to partial shade, although good sun will encourage the best fruit production.

The small berries grow up to 1 cm in diameter, ripening from green to reddish-purple or dark red. They have a pleasantly tart flavour and can be enjoyed fresh or used in preserves, sauces, and other cooked preparations.

With its dense, thorny branches, Northern Gooseberry provides excellent cover for wildlife while its flowers are visited by native pollinators. The fruit is also enjoyed by birds, making this a useful addition to naturalized gardens, food forests, and biodiversity plantings.

The name “gooseberry” can be a little confusing! It is an old English common name that has been applied to several species of Ribes that produce small, tart berries.

Hardiness Zone: 1b

Height at Maturity: 1 meter (3 feet)

Spread: 1 meter (3 feet)

Soil Preference: Well drained

Light Exposure: Full sun, partial shade

Pollination: Self-fertile 

Latin Name: Ribes oxyacanthoides