Gooseberry

{iRibes missouriensis}. Common here; rare in some other states. Known as Missouri Gooseberry here, but in Canada it is becoming popular as a garden plant and they refer to it as Missouri Currant. The thorn-covered stems begin to leaf out in early to middle March, the inconspicuous blooms appear in April and the green sour fruits are full size in May. They are either used for their pectin content when green, or they are allowed to ripen. When ripe (around July) they are purplish, soft and sweet. Root starts will be sent, no later than March 31. Illegal in NE U.S. and WV due to blister rust