Desert Gooseberry

Ribes velutinum

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Grossulariaceae
Genus:
Ribes
Species:
Ribes velutinum
USDA Symbol:
RIVE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
200 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
yellow, green
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Hummingbirds:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Tharsalea arota

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from root crown following fire; common in post-fire shrub communities.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 90–120 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification; germination can be erratic.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.

Source: Claude AI