Ribes divaricatum – worcesterberry

Description

Common names: Worcesterberry, wild gooseberry, coast black gooseberry.

Worcesterberry is a multi-stemmed shrub which is related to currants and gooseberries. It is found naturally in forests, woodlands and coastal scrubland from British Columbia to California. Like gooseberries plants are spiny, with the spines occurring at the leaf nodes. Flowers smother the plants in spring and are very attractive to bees. The small gooseberry like fruit turns black when fully ripe but will require netting from birds to get to this stage. Berries can be eaten fresh or used for Jams and desserts.

Plants are great for hedgerows and can form into thickets to about 2 meters. Best in well drained soils with some moisture. Full sun in cooler parts of the country, but a lightly shaded position is best in hot summer areas such as Hawke’s Bay.

• HT: 2 meters
• Full sun to semi-shade
• Good drainage
• Prefers some moisture
• 1 liter pot