Wild gooseberry
Ribes cynosbati / Ribes hirtellum
Shrubs of woodland and moist thickets with lobed leaves and berries borne singly or in small groups. The local references are eastern prickly gooseberry and smooth gooseberry; identified ripe fruit has food uses.
Native range
North America, including Ontario. Both reference species occur wild in the Toronto region; prickly gooseberry is more widely recorded.
Typical season
Broad summer fruit reference for local wild gooseberries. Individual shrubs and seasons vary.
Identification
Compare leaves, cane spines, flowers and fruit. Ribes cynosbati has prickly fruit; R. hirtellum has smooth fruit. Prickly fruit needs its prickles removed or strained out in preparation. Currants usually have longer clusters. Confirm the species before using unknown berries.