Desert Gooseberry
Ribes velutinum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Desert Gooseberry (Ribes velutinum) 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
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–48" H × 12"–48" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AZ, CA, ID, MT and 4 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
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
Desert gooseberry is a compact native shrub that produces small clusters of white to pink flowers in late spring. This drought-tolerant plant develops small berries after flowering and has attractive lobed leaves that turn yellow in fall before dropping.
In an HOA neighborhood
Desert Gooseberry is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, foundation.
- Thorny branches may concern some HOAs
- Can look sparse when dormant in winter
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and butterflies during May and June blooming period. The berries provide food for birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- How much sun does Desert Gooseberry need?
- Desert Gooseberry grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Desert Gooseberry bloom?
- Desert Gooseberry blooms in May and June.
- Where is Desert Gooseberry native?
- Desert Gooseberry (Ribes velutinum) is native to AZ, CA, ID, MT and 4 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Desert Gooseberry attract?
- Desert Gooseberry draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Desert Gooseberry HOA-friendly?
- Desert 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 Desert 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