Orientale Currant / Gooseberry (Ribes orientale)

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

Ribes orientale is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May. 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). and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. Some caution is advised, since another report says that the fruits are used as a purgative. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; Some caution is advised, since another report says that the fruits are used as a purgative.

Habitat & North American Range

Stony slopes and rocks to 4000 metres in the Himalayas. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)