Ribes lacustre

An upright to spreading deciduous shrub with slender stems armed with numerous small spines. The leaves are maple-like with three to five lobes and toothed edges. Small, saucer-shaped flowers in shades of red to maroon appear in drooping racemes in spring, followed by purple-black berries covered with glandular bristles.

Plants thrive in moist, cool sites with part to full shade, often found along streams and in mountain forests. The berries are edible but bristly and generally not palatable. Suitable for shaded woodland gardens and naturalistic plantings where the spiny habit can be accommodated. Provides cover for wildlife and the berries are consumed by birds. Native from Alaska to California and across northern North America.