Stcwelcu’cwe’l (Secwepemc) – Wild Gooseberry – Ribes Divaricatum

General Description: Perennial. A deciduous shrub that can have purple, green, or pink reddish to maroon coloured flowers that resemble fuchsias.

Growing Pattern: Arching canes touch ground and form thickets which can spread rapidly.

Height: 5-11 feet

Soil Type: Light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils. Prefers moist but well-drained soils.

Watering: Medium

Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Usually found at: Open woods, prairies and moist hillsides or bluffs and stream banks

Edibility: Sweet tasting black berries. Inner bark used for medicinal purposes and swallowed helps sore throats and TB.