1
*Canyon Gooseberry Ribes menziesii (RYE-bees men-ZEE-see-eye ) Family: Grossulaceae (Gooseberry Family) Native to: Central & North Coast of CA to OR as well as western Sierra foothills; several different varieties grow from moist or marshy areas to drier hillsides, coastal canyons and foothills in Redwood Forest, Mixed Evergreen Forest, Chaparral between 0 and 3500 feet. Growth characteristics: woody shrub mature height : 4-8+ ft. mature width : 5-7 ft. Open, many-branched shrub with arching branches. Branches very prickly (typical of gooseberries). Leaves medium green, rounded, aromatic and velvety with glandular hairs. Very attractive growth habit; slightly more open/graceful than our local Fuschia-flowered Gooseberry (Ribes speciosum). Will drop leaves in hot summer/fall conditions. Blooms/fruits: Blooms late winter/early spring (Feb. to April depending on weather). Flowers also similar to Ribes speciosum: sepals are fuchsia or purple, petals are white and extend forward to form a loose tube from which the stamens emerge. Flowers dangle from branches and resemble tiny fuschia flowers; truly spectacular in bloom. Spiny dark fruits ripen in summer; edible. Uses in the garden: Mostly used as an ornamental shrub because of its flowers. Also popular in bird and butterfly habitat gardens attract hummingbirds and fruit-eaters. Spines make this a good choice for a barrier or hedge. Fine under oaks. Beautiful and unique plant just plant it back far enough that you dont brush against it. Native Californians cooked and dried berries for food. Sensible substitute for: Non-native gooseberries. Attracts: Excellent bird & butterfly habitat: provides cover, nectar and fruits for food. Also provides cover for small creatures like lizards. Requirements: Element Requirement Sun Part-shade (morning sun fine) or dappled sun. Soil Well-drained soils best; any local pH. Water Best with occasional summer water Water Zone 1-2 or 2. Dont water on hot days or get water on leaves/trunk. Fertilizer Not needed; low doses likely fine. Other Likes an organic mulch. Management: Prune out old, dead branches when dormant in fall. Be careful not to over-water in summer; consider locating this plant near an area that gets fairly regular water. Propagation: from seed : dried seed needs 2-3 month cold treatment by cuttings : yes Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 6, 8, 13 4/29/13 © Project SOUND

Ribes menziesii

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: Ribes menziesii

*Canyon Gooseberry – Ribes menziesii (RYE-bees men-ZEE-see-eye )

Family: Grossulaceae (Gooseberry Family)

Native to: Central & North Coast of CA to OR as well as western Sierra foothills; several different

varieties grow from moist or marshy areas to drier hillsides, coastal canyons and foothills in Redwood Forest, Mixed Evergreen Forest, Chaparral between 0 and 3500 feet.

Growth characteristics: woody shrub mature height: 4-8+ ft. mature width: 5-7 ft. Open, many-branched shrub with arching branches. Branches very prickly (typical of gooseberries).

Leaves medium green, rounded, aromatic and velvety with glandular hairs. Very attractive growth habit; slightly more open/graceful than our local Fuschia-flowered Gooseberry (Ribes speciosum). Will drop leaves in hot summer/fall conditions.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms late winter/early spring (Feb. to April depending on weather). Flowers also similar to Ribes speciosum: sepals are fuchsia or purple, petals are white and extend forward to form a loose tube from which the stamens emerge. Flowers dangle from branches and resemble tiny

fuschia flowers; truly spectacular in bloom. Spiny dark fruits ripen in summer; edible.

Uses in the garden: Mostly used as an ornamental shrub because of its flowers. Also popular in bird

and butterfly habitat gardens – attract hummingbirds and fruit-eaters. Spines make this a good

choice for a barrier or hedge. Fine under oaks. Beautiful and unique plant – just plant it back far enough that you don’t brush against it. Native Californians cooked and dried berries for food.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native gooseberries.

Attracts: Excellent bird & butterfly habitat: provides cover, nectar and fruits for food. Also

provides cover for small creatures like lizards.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Part-shade (morning sun fine) or dappled sun.

Soil Well-drained soils best; any local pH.

Water Best with occasional summer water – Water Zone 1-2 or 2. Don’t water on hot days

or get water on leaves/trunk.

Fertilizer Not needed; low doses likely fine.

Other Likes an organic mulch.

Management: Prune out old, dead branches when dormant in fall. Be careful not to over-water in

summer; consider locating this plant near an area that gets fairly regular water.

Propagation: from seed: dried seed needs 2-3 month cold treatment by cuttings: yes

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 6, 8, 13 4/29/13 © Project SOUND