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Summary
Fuchsia-flowered Gooseberry (R. speciosum) is native to California. Once established, it is drought-tolerant. It is often grown as an ornamental for its attractive red flowers. The edible berries are small and tart, but birds and other wildlife frequently consume them.
Physical Characteristics

Ribes speciosum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Insects, Hummingbirds. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Grossularia speciosa (Pursh) Coville & Britton. Robsonia speciosa (Pursh) Spach.
Plant Habitats
Edible Uses
The fruit is a red-orange berry about a centimetre (0.4 inch) long and is covered densely in glandular bristles. They are generally considered to be of low palatability and are not widely consumed. They are small and may taste somewhat bland or mildly sour. While the berries are not toxic, their culinary value is minimal compared to other species in the Ribes genus, such as Ribes nigrum (blackcurrant) or Ribes rubrum (redcurrant). If you choose to try them, ensure that they are fully ripe and free from contaminants.
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
None Known
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Excellent for erosion control, wildlife gardens, or as a unique ornamental shrub in native or Mediterranean-style landscapes. Produces striking, pendulous red flowers resembling fuchsia from late winter to spring. These flowers are an important nectar source for hummingbirds and pollinators. Its spiny branches also make it suitable for hedgerows or defensive planting. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Currant flowers produce nectar and pollen, attracting pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): The berries are a food source for birds and small mammals. The dense shrubs provide good cover and shelter for wildlife and serve as bird nesting sites. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Ground cover): The leaf litter and dense growth offer overwintering sites and shelter for invertebrates, and the shrubs contribute to ground cover. Pest Confuser (Smell): Currants do not have a strong scent that acts as a pest confuser.
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Soil Texture: Thrives in light (sandy) to medium soils. It can tolerate rocky or gravelly soils, typical of its native chaparral and woodland habitats. Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist soils. It is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in areas with seasonal rainfall. Drainage: Requires well-drained soil. Poor drainage or waterlogged conditions can lead to root rot. Soil pH: Tolerates a range of pH levels, from slightly acidic to neutral. Saline Tolerance: Low tolerance for saline soils; it is better suited for inland conditions rather than coastal areas with high salinity. Tolerance of Poor Soil: It thrives in poor, nutrient-deficient soils, particularly in natural chaparral and coastal scrub environments. Light Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Can tolerate shade in hotter climates, but flowers best in sunnier conditions. Height: Typically grows to about 1–3 meters (3–10 feet) tall, with a similar spread. Pollination: Pollinated by hummingbirds, which are attracted to its striking, long red tubular flowers, as well as by bees and other insects. Temperature: Native to California and suited for USDA zones 7–10. It thrives in Mediterranean climates with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Drought Tolerance: Highly drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for water-wise gardens. Flowering: Produces striking, pendulous red flowers resembling fuchsia from late winter to spring. These flowers are an important nectar source for hummingbirds and pollinators. Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-resistant but may experience powdery mildew in humid conditions or areas with poor air circulation. Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Remove dead or damaged wood after flowering. Its spiny branches can form a natural barrier or hedge. The native range of this species is from California to Mexico (Baja California Norte). It is a shrub and grows primarily in the subtropical biome [2-5].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seeds or semi-hardwood cuttings. Seeds may benefit from stratification for improved germination.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Fuchsia flowered gooseberry
Native Range
Native to: California, Mexico Northwest.
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
None Known
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Not Available
Related Plants
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Latin Name | Common Name | Habit | Height | Hardiness | Growth | Soil | Shade | Moisture | Edible | Medicinal | Other |
Embelia ribes | False black pepper, White-flowered Embelia | Climber | 15.0 |
10-12
| F | LMH | S | M | 3 | 4 | 2 |
Rheum ribes | | Perennial | 1.5 |
5-9
| | MH | SN | DM | 2 | 0 | |
Ribes aciculare | | Shrub | 1.0 |
3-7
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 0 | |
Ribes alpinum | Alpine Currant | Shrub | 1.2 |
2-7
| M | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 0 | 4 |
Ribes altissimum | | Shrub | 3.0 |
5-9
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 0 | |
Ribes ambiguum | | Shrub | 0.6 |
5-9
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | |
Ribes americanum | American Blackcurrant | Shrub | 1.8 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | |
Ribes aureum | Golden Currant | Shrub | 2.4 |
3-8
| | LMH | SN | DM | 4 | 1 | 0 |
Ribes bracteosum | Stink Currant | Shrub | 2.5 |
6-9
| | LMH | N | M | 2 | 1 | |
Ribes burejense | Bureja gooseberry, | Shrub | 1.0 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Ribes californicum | Hillside Gooseberry | Shrub | 0.0 |
6-9
| | LMH | N | M | 2 | 0 | |
Ribes cereum | Wax Currant | Shrub | 1.8 |
4-8
| | LMH | N | DM | 2 | 1 | |
Ribes curvatum | Granite gooseberry | Shrub | 1.0 |
6-9
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 0 | |
Ribes cynosbati | Dogberry, Eastern prickly gooseberry | Shrub | 1.5 |
0-0
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 1 | 0 |
Ribes diacanthum | Siberian currant | Shrub | 1.8 |
0-0
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | |
Ribes distans | | Shrub | 0.6 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | |
Ribes divaricatum | Coastal Black Gooseberry, Spreading gooseberry, Parish's gooseberry, Straggly gooseberry | Shrub | 2.7 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 4 | 1 | 2 |
Ribes fasciculatum | | Shrub | 1.5 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 1 | 0 | |
Ribes fragrans | | Shrub | 0.6 |
3-7
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 0 | |
Ribes gayanum | | Shrub | 1.5 |
7-10
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 0 | |
Ribes glaciale | | Shrub | 3.0 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | |
Ribes glandulosum | Skunk Currant | Shrub | 0.4 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | 3 |
Ribes griffithii | | Shrub | 2.5 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | |
Ribes himalense | | Shrub | 2.0 |
5-9
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 1 | |
Ribes hirtellum | Currant-Gooseberry, Hairystem gooseberry | Shrub | 1.0 |
4-8
| | LMH | N | M | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Ribes horridum | | Shrub | 1.5 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 0 | |
Ribes hudsonianum | Hudson Bay Currant, Northern black currant, Western black currant | Shrub | 1.0 |
0-0
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | |
Ribes inebrians | Whisky Currant | Shrub | 2.0 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | |
Ribes inerme | Whitestem Gooseberry, Klamath gooseberry | Shrub | 2.0 |
5-9
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | |
Ribes irriguum | Idaho Gooseberry | Shrub | 3.0 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | |
|
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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
Pursh
Botanical References
Links / References
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Subject : Ribes speciosum
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