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Ribes speciosum - Pursh

Common Name Fuchsia-flowered Gooseberry
Family Grossulariaceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards None Known
Habitats Scrub and chaparral of coastal mountain ranges.
Range Native range is California to Mexico (Baja California Norte).
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Ribes speciosum Fuchsia-flowered Gooseberry


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Ribes speciosum Fuchsia-flowered Gooseberry
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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

 icon of manicon of shrub
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

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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

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Ribes cynosbatiDogberry, Eastern prickly gooseberryShrub1.5 0-0  LMHSNM310
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Ribes divaricatumCoastal Black Gooseberry, Spreading gooseberry, Parish's gooseberry, Straggly gooseberryShrub2.7 4-8  LMHSNM412
Ribes fasciculatum Shrub1.5 4-8  LMHSNM10 
Ribes fragrans Shrub0.6 3-7  LMHSNM30 
Ribes gayanum Shrub1.5 7-10  LMHSNM30 
Ribes glaciale Shrub3.0 -  LMHSNM20 
Ribes glandulosumSkunk CurrantShrub0.4 -  LMHSNM213
Ribes griffithii Shrub2.5 -  LMHSNM20 
Ribes himalense Shrub2.0 5-9  LMHSNM31 
Ribes hirtellumCurrant-Gooseberry, Hairystem gooseberryShrub1.0 4-8  LMHNM300
Ribes horridum Shrub1.5 -  LMHSNM30 
Ribes hudsonianumHudson Bay Currant, Northern black currant, Western black currantShrub1.0 0-0  LMHSNM21 
Ribes inebriansWhisky CurrantShrub2.0 4-8  LMHSNM21 
Ribes inermeWhitestem Gooseberry, Klamath gooseberryShrub2.0 5-9  LMHSNM20 
Ribes irriguumIdaho GooseberryShrub3.0 -  LMHSNM21 
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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.

 

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Subject : Ribes speciosum  
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