Ribes inerme, commonly known as Whitestem Gooseberry, is a deciduous shrub native to the western regions of North America, including British Columbia, California, and extending eastward to the Rocky Mountains. It is typically found in a variety of habitats such as stream banks, moist mountain forests, woodlands, and meadows, often in areas with cool, moist conditions. This shrub can reach up to 10 feet in height and has an erect or spreading habit with hairless or bristly stems that bear spines at the nodes. The leaves are palmately lobed, typically divided into three to five toothed lobes. Whitestem Gooseberry produces an inflorescence of up to five flowers, each with reddish-green sepals and white or pinkish petals, blooming from April to July. The flowers are modest in showiness. The edible fruit is a hairless berry that can be greenish, purple, or black when ripe.

In cultivation, Whitestem Gooseberry is valued for its wildlife-friendly attributes, as it provides food for birds and other animals. It is used in naturalistic plantings, such as in wildlife gardens or as part of a hedgerow. This shrub is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and it can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it may require some pruning to control its spread and to remove dead or diseased wood. Gardeners should be cautious as the spines can make handling difficult. There are no major disease problems, but the plant can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust.CC BY-SA 4.0