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All Green Thumbs
Ribes lobbii (Gummy Gooseberry)
Thorny. This one hurts. But, it is exceptionally beautiful - not unlike roses in its ornamental value at a cost of thornyness. The thorns are very thin, stiff, and will pierce leather gloves! You can still manage them with gloves but you should not grab them firmly. The red berries are fascinating - some are over an inch in diameter - and represent the largest of all gooseberries and currents in the western US. The berries, like the leaves, are sticky. They hang singly from the plant in large quantities and are reminiscent of a Christmas tree with bulbs hanging from it. The flowers? They are reportedly one of the most beautiful in the Northwest - by one of the most respected Botanists in the world.
Wildlife
This plant attracts hummingbirds. It serves a purpose in being a late spring and early summer bloomer and, in regards to hummingbirds, follows the blooming of golden current to help fill in the summer season of hummingbird flowers.
Ornamental
The five volume set of Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest, University of Washington, is a technical set that cannot be understood by the novice botanist. Rarely does it give personal comment on plants. The text for this plant is one of the exceptions. The text reports this as one of the most beautiful of flowers and that it clearly has ornamental value.
Natural History
No information.
Propagation
As I understand it, this one is difficult to propogate and the reason it is not found more commonly (as in the case with red flowering current). We have no suggestions other than to provide a climate similar to its native range. I would anticipate that this one requires cold stratification with some freezing and thawing. When successful, you will have a unique show piece for your visitors.
References
Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest, University of Washington, Hitchcock and Cronquist.
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