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This uncommon shrub produces tart green fruits in summer that are suitable for jams and desserts. They have many sharp thorns and some care should be used when working around them.

Latin Name

Ribes uva-crispa


Family

Grossulariaceae


Type of Plant

Fruits Fruits
Shrubs Shrubs

Bloom Season

May - June

Seasons

Summer Summer

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 4'
Max spread Max Spread: 4'

Uses

  • Edible

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun

    Tolerances

  • Rabbit

  • Attracted Wildlife

    Birds Birds
    Butterflies Butterflies

    Colors


    Native Range

    Europe, north Africa, and southeast Asia


    History

    Washington wrote to Edward Newenham in 1789, "I have just been returning my thanks for his Gooseberry plants to your friend Colonel Persse, who I perceive is a fond admirer of a Country life, as well as myself."


    Other Details

    Grown by Washington Grown by Washington

    Planted at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon Lower Garden Fruit Garden & Nursery

  • Lower Garden
  • Fruit Garden & Nursery

  • Hardiness Zones

    4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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