Gooseberry

Scientific Name:

Ribes menziesii

Physical Appearance: 

  • Four petaled, bright red flowers 

  • Sorta reminiscent of the bottom of ballerina skirt

  • Bright, shiny, green leaves with three petals and spiked edges 

  • Produces an orange, red, and white berry covered in small red thorns

When Does It Grow: 

  • Winter and Spring 

  • In the summers the leaves will turn a dull red and by fall time they will have all fallen

Preferred Environment:

  • Prefers full shaded and damp environments 

  • Varies in elevation but normally flatter terrain  

Method of Reproduction: 

  • Hummingbirds!!! 

  • Gooseberries are some cleverly evolved plants! Their structure holds their nectar deep in the base of the flower while its reproductive components extend outside of the flower. This forces the hummingbirds body to brush against the anthers and collect pollen while it drinks the nectar. When the bird finds another flower to drink from it will surely transfer the pollen! SMART

Role in the Ecosystem:

  • Food source for many small birds and mammals

  • Attracts several butterflies

  • Hummingbirds love to eat this stuff because of its high sugar content!

  • Ever wonder why some plants do not get pollinated by bees? Well, bees do not register the color red causing them to not be attracted to the flowers… wild huh

Random:

  • Hummingbirds migrate during the springtime so this plant has become a reliable resource for a high fructose energy boost and temporary housing

  • No scent (no issue for hummingbirds as they have a weak sense of smell)

  • Fun fact: gooseberry is not a unique name! Technically this plant is called the Fuchsia-Flowered Gooseberry. The “gooseberry” portion of the name comes from the type of berry it produces as berries with thorns are called gooseberries while smooth berries are called currants