How to Identify a Gooseberry With a Maple-Like Leaf

Granite gooseberries have leaves that resemble those of maple trees.

According to the USDA, there are more than 46 known species and varieties of gooseberry found in the Ribes genus of fruiting plants. Granite gooseberry, known botanically as Ribes curvatum, possesses leaves that are distinctly reminiscent of maple leaves. Ribes curvatum is also known as Georgia gooseberry, southern currant or slender gooseberry. It grows in much warmer climates than many of the species, and is used both for preserves for human consumption, for ornamental shrubbery and animal forage.

Instructions

1. Look for granite gooseberry to grow in regions within USDA zone 8, on partially shaded rocky woodland soil or slopes -- such as those found in Eastern Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia and Tennessee.

2. Identify the deciduous shrub by its compact size of 3 feet in height and 4 feet in spread at maturity. Observe the large volume of winter bare, delicate branches clad in purple to red-brown bark that sport 1/4-inch spines.

3. Confirm the species before fruit development by the white flowers that appear in the spring over the green maple-leaf foliage.

References

• Cornell University: Gooseberries and Currants Ribes, spp.
• Texas A&M University: Granite Gooseberry, Georgia Gooseberry, Southern Currant, Slender Gooseberry Ribes Curvatum
• USDA Plant Database Profile: Ribes Genus
• USDA Plant Database Profile: Ribes Curvatum Growing Zones