How much sun does Hillside gooseberry need?

Hillside gooseberry grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Hillside gooseberry bloom?

Hillside gooseberry blooms in January, February, and March.

Where is Hillside gooseberry native?

Hillside gooseberry (Ribes californicum) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Hillside gooseberry attract?

Hillside gooseberry draws hummingbirds and bees.

Hillside gooseberry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ribes californicum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Hillside gooseberry (Ribes californicum) 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 sun

Water

low

Size

36"–72" H × 36"–60" W

Bloom

Jan, Feb, Mar

Native to

Pollinators

hummingbirds, bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A gooseberry with bristly stems, small lobed leaves, and pendant white to pinkish flowers that hang from the branches in winter. Ripens into spiny reddish berries by early summer.

Wildlife value

Early winter flowers feed hummingbirds and bees, and the berries are eaten by birds and small mammals.

Common questions

How much sun does Hillside gooseberry need?: Hillside gooseberry grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Hillside gooseberry bloom?: Hillside gooseberry blooms in January, February, and March.
Where is Hillside gooseberry native?: Hillside gooseberry (Ribes californicum) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Hillside gooseberry attract?: Hillside gooseberry draws hummingbirds and bees.

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.

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