Distans Currant / Gooseberry (Ribes distans)

Family: Grossulariaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Ribes distans is a deciduous Shrub growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant taste. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; An unpleasant taste.; The red fruit is up to 8mm in diameter.

Habitat & North American Range

Mixed forests, in the shade of undergrowth and in the shade of rocks. Forests and thickets in valleys, mountain slopes at elevations of 900 - 2700 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)