Ribes oxyacanthoides, commonly known as Canadian Gooseberry, is a deciduous shrub native to a variety of habitats including riparian zones, moist forest clearings, and the understory of boreal forests across North America, from Alaska through much of Canada to the western and north-central United States. It typically grows 20-60 inches tall and is characterized by its arching branches covered in prickles and sharp spines at the nodes. The shrub produces clusters of small, bell-shaped white or pinkish flowers in the spring, which are moderately showy and attract pollinators. The flowers give way to edible berries that can be reddish, greenish, purple, or black when ripe.

Canadian Gooseberry is valued for its wildlife benefits, as the berries provide food for animals such as grizzly bears and mule deer. It has historical significance as many Native American groups harvested the berries for food. In cultivation, it is used for naturalistic plantings and as a fruiting shrub in gardens. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. While it is not commonly afflicted by serious pests or diseases, it is an alternate host for white pine blister rust, which can be a concern in areas where white pines are valued. Gardeners should be aware of its spiny nature when considering placement and maintenance.CC BY-SA 4.0