Prickly blackcurrant, Swamp gooseberry, Swamp currant
Limnobotrya lacustris

Family: Saxifragaceae

What it is like

A low straggling shrub. The stems are spiny and have bristles. It grows about 1 m high. The leaves are small and like maple leaves. They have 5 lobes with deep sharp indents. The flowers are small and green, pink or purple. They are on branched stalks and droop. The fruit are purple berries. They are covered with dense bristles.

There are about 150 Ribes species.

Where it is found

It is a cold temperate plant. It grows in open places near the tree line in the Rocky Mountains.

Countries/locations it is found in

Alaska, Canada, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit have a strong smell. They can be eaten raw or cooked. They are not eaten in large amounts. They are boiled and dried and stored for later use. They are used for jam.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Ribes lacustre (Pers.) Poir.; Ribes oxyacanthoides var. lacustre Pers.;