Ribes setosum

Lindl.

Missouri gooseberry, Bristly gooseberry

Grossulariaceae Edible: Fruit 36 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Deciduous shrub reaching 1 m tall. Hermaphrodite insect-pollinated species hardy to UK zone 2. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with good drainage and mildly acid to basic pH. Prefers moist conditions and grows in semi-shade or full sun.

Description

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a pleasant, mildly sub-acid flavour with a hint of muskiness and is highly esteemed. Each berry grows up to 10mm in diameter.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

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 of 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 through their first winter, and plant out in late spring the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10–15cm with a heel, can be taken in July or August and rooted in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood from 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.