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.