Wild Goose Berry RPBB - Ribes missouriense

Gooseberries not only provide fruit and foliage to feed wildlife, but also nesting habitat with thorny protection for bumblebees and birds. This is a small, thorny, woody shrub, with tasty berries. Fruit-eating birds and mammals help to spread the seeds to new locations. Gooseberries are favored by the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee and is a host plant for the larvae of two butterflies, Green Comma and Gray Comma, that feed on the foliage. In deep shade, it may not flower or fruit. Ribes are nn alternate host for white pine blister rust, but the disease is uncommon in Illinois. Soil Type: Loam/Gravel/Sand Soil Conditions: Moist-Dry Flower Color: White Green Flower Time: April-May Height: 2' - 4' Light: Part-Sun Features: Rain Garden, Birds, Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Pollinators, Larval Host Credits: Info & Photo 1 courtesy of illinoiswildflowers.info; Photo courtesy of Randy Tindall at nadiasyard.com