Canada Gooseberry
Ribes oxyacanthoides
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Canada Gooseberry (Ribes oxyacanthoides) 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"–60" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
ID, MI, MN, MT 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 areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Canada Gooseberry is a native shrub that produces small, edible berries in summer. It forms a moderately sized, rounded bush with lobed leaves and small greenish flowers in late spring. The plant provides both ornamental value and wildlife food throughout the growing season.
In an HOA neighborhood
Canada 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 create safety concerns
- Informal growth habit appears unmanicured
- Can look sparse and scraggly in winter
Wildlife value
Flowers attract bees and flies in May and June, while the berries feed birds and small mammals. The shrub also provides nesting habitat and cover for various wildlife species.
Common questions
- How much sun does Canada Gooseberry need?
- Canada Gooseberry grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Canada Gooseberry bloom?
- Canada Gooseberry blooms in May and June.
- Where is Canada Gooseberry native?
- Canada Gooseberry (Ribes oxyacanthoides) is native to ID, MI, MN, MT and 9 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Canada Gooseberry attract?
- Canada Gooseberry draws bees and flies.
- Is Canada Gooseberry HOA-friendly?
- Canada 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Canada 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