Straggly gooseberry is a deciduous shrub native to western North America, commonly found in moist forests, riparian areas, and forest edges. It has arching, spreading branches armed with sharp spines and lobed green leaves. Small, inconspicuous greenish to purple flowers bloom in spring and are followed by dark purple, bristly berries that provide food for birds, wildlife, and people. This species tolerates shade and wet soils, making it well-suited for creating wildlife habitat in hedgerows, forests, and riparian settings.
