How much sun does Appalachian Gooseberry need?

Appalachian Gooseberry grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Appalachian Gooseberry bloom?

Appalachian Gooseberry blooms in April and May.

Where is Appalachian Gooseberry native?

Appalachian Gooseberry (Ribes rotundifolium) is native to CT, GA, MA, MD and 9 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Appalachian Gooseberry attract?

Appalachian Gooseberry draws bees and flies.

Is Appalachian Gooseberry HOA-friendly?

Appalachian Gooseberry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Appalachian Gooseberry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ribes rotundifolium

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Appalachian Gooseberry (Ribes rotundifolium) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

24"–48" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

CT, GA, MA, MD and 9 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau

Appalachian gooseberry is a compact native shrub that produces small greenish flowers in spring followed by edible berries. This understated plant works well as a naturalizing groundcover or low border planting in partially shaded areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Appalachian Gooseberry is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.

Informal appearance may not suit formal landscapes
Thorny stems could be seen as maintenance issue
May look sparse in winter

Wildlife value

The spring blooms attract native bees and flies for pollination. Birds and small mammals enjoy the summer berries, making this a valuable food source for wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Appalachian Gooseberry need?: Appalachian Gooseberry grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Appalachian Gooseberry bloom?: Appalachian Gooseberry blooms in April and May.
Where is Appalachian Gooseberry native?: Appalachian Gooseberry (Ribes rotundifolium) is native to CT, GA, MA, MD and 9 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Appalachian Gooseberry attract?: Appalachian Gooseberry draws bees and flies.
Is Appalachian Gooseberry HOA-friendly?: Appalachian Gooseberry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Appalachian Gooseberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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