Ribes menziesii

Ribes menziesii, Canyon Gooseberry is a deciduous shrub to 6'. with small maroon-purple-white flowers. This species has many forms that are native to the coast ranges of Calif. and the Sierras into S. Oregon. This species is summer deciduous. It will lose its leaves under heat or drought stress and look uckky. As soon as it has water it comes right back. If you summer water it directly it will die of root rot. You can water indirectly if you desire. Planting it 10-15' away from a flowerbed or lawn will do the same thing. Very showy in the spring. Click here for more about California Currants and Gooseberries