Ribes menziesii, the canyon gooseberry, is a species of currant found only in California and Oregon.
Description Ribes menziesii is an aromatic deciduous shrub with very prickly branches growing up to in height. It has somewhat rounded, hairy, glandular green leaves,Flora of North America, Ribes menziesii Pursh, 1813. Canyon gooseberry which are wide.
Its showy hanging flowers have purplish-red sepals which are reflexed, or folded backwards along the length of the flower. The petals are white, yellow or pinkish, and extend forward to form a loose tube from which the stamens emerge.
The plant fruits purple gooseberries, which are edible but contain mainly seeds and little fruit. They are generally regarded as unpalatable. The plant's spines also make collecting fruit difficult.
Varieties Varieties of the species include: Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme — southern Sierra Nevada. Calflora taxon report, University of California: Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme Ribes menziesii var. menziesii — Coast Ranges.Calflora taxon report, University of California: Ribes menziesii var. menziesii Ribes menziesii var. senile (Coville) Jeps. - Santa Cruz County
Distribution and habitat It is found only in California and Oregon.Calflora taxon report, University of California: Ribes menziesii . accessed 1.30.2013Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map
There are five to six varieties of the species found across the low elevation mountains of California, especially the Coast Ranges, and the coastal canyons and foothills, into southern Oregon. It can be found in the chaparral plant community.
Cultivation Ribes menziesii is cultivated as an ornamental plant for native plant and wildlife gardens, in areas of suitable climate, such as coastal California. It is valued for its attractive spring blooms.Las Pilitas Nursery horticulture treatment: Ribes menziesii, Canyon gooseberry . accessed 1.30.2013
References
External links
Jepson Manual Treatment: Ribes menziesii Ribes menziesii — Calphotos Photo Gallery, University of California