American Gooseberry
Ribes cynosbati
Last reviewed: June 2026
Ribes cynosbati is a native deciduous shrub found throughout eastern and midwestern North America, blooming in May and June with small flowers that attract bees and beetles.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–48" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, GA and 23 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
American gooseberry is a native shrub that produces small, edible berries in summer. This compact, rounded shrub has thorny branches and develops attractive fall color before dropping its leaves.
Growing American Gooseberry
Grow American Gooseberry in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Gooseberry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Thorny branches may be considered hazardous
- Informal growth habit looks unmanicured
- Can appear bare and scraggly in winter
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. The berries provide food for birds and small mammals in summer.
Common questions
- Where does American Gooseberry naturally grow?
- Ribes cynosbati is native to much of eastern and midwestern North America, from Maine south to Alabama and west to North Dakota and Oklahoma.
- When does American Gooseberry bloom?
- American Gooseberry produces flowers in May and June, with small greenish blooms that are attractive to various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit American Gooseberry?
- The flowers of Ribes cynosbati are primarily visited by bees and beetles, which help pollinate the plant and enable fruit production.
- What growing conditions does American Gooseberry prefer?
- This adaptable shrub tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and can grow in various moisture levels from dry to moist soils.
- Is American Gooseberry HOA-friendly?
- American Gooseberry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow American Gooseberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz