Gooseberry

"Black Gooseberry" (Ribes lacustre)

2007 October 10

2007 October 10

2007 October 10

I only discovered this shrub in the fall, as it's red foliage really stood out. I will have to be more observant come spring to get pictures of the flowers and then fruit ... it helps to know where a specimen is located.

The berries may be eaten fresh or cooked. The leaves were boiled by some peoples to make a menthol flavoured tea touted to be good for colds and diarrhea. The spines may cause an allergic reaction.