Description

The gooseberries are known for their thorny branches and generally bristled fruit. A patch of gooseberries can form an impenetrable barrier of natural barbed wire. The thorns of the spreading gooseberry are among the most stout. The formidable thorns make for an ideal barrier plant, but also a safe haven for birds. Spreading gooseberry is a tall rounded shrub with shiny deeply lobed leaves. The spring flowers are penedent with reflexed red sepals and white petals. These are quite attractive to hummingbirds. Although the flowers are small, the mass effect is substantial. Blue, smooth fruit follows. Like all of our currants and gooseberries, spreading gooseberry will go dormant at the end of summer. New leaves will appear with the cool weather of fall.