Ribes irriguum

Douglas

Idaho gooseberry

Grossulariaceae Edible: Fruit 15 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Ribes irriguum is a deciduous shrub growing to 3 m tall. The plant is hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. It adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage, tolerating mildly acidic to basic soils. It grows in semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil.

Description

Edible Uses

The fruit, a gooseberry measuring 7–13mm in diameter, can be eaten raw or cooked and can also be dried for later use.

Medicinal Uses

A decoction of the root has been used as a stomach tonic.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Canada, North America, USA,

Cultivation

Easily grown in a moisture retentive but well-drained loamy soil of at least moderate quality. Plants are quite tolerant of shade though do not fruit so well in such a position. Hardy to about -20°c. Plants can harbour a stage of 'white pine blister rust', so they should not be grown in the vicinity of pine trees. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 months cold stratification at 0–5°C and should be sown as early in the year as possible. Under normal storage conditions seed can remain viable for 17 years or more. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, grow on in a cold frame for their first winter, then plant out in late spring the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10–15cm with a heel, can be taken in July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, preferably with a heel of the previous year's growth, can be taken November to February in a cold frame or sheltered bed outdoors.

Other Uses

None known.

Notes

There are about 150 Ribes species.

Synonyms

R. oxyacanthoides irriguum. (Douglas.)Sinnott. Grossularia irrigua. (Dougl.)Cov.&Britt.

References (3)

Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Trans. Hort. Soc. London 7:516. 1830
Turner, N., 1997, Food Plants of Interior First Peoples. Royal BC Museum Handbook p 127