Dogberry
Ribes cynosbati
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Pl. 8991 — Ribes cynosbati
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IOverview
Overview
Dogberry, scientifically known as Ribes cynosbati, is a shrub native to the northeastern and midwestern United States, including states like Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, and others. This plant thrives in moist conditions and prefers light or partial sun exposure, making it adaptable to various habitats within its range. Known for its edible fruit, dogberry is a valuable addition to gardens where it can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. Its ability to grow in diverse soil types, including sandy, medium, and clay soils, makes it a versatile choice for gardeners looking to add both ornamental value and edibility to their landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Dogberry?
Dogberry, scientifically known as Ribes cynosbati, is a shrub native to the northeastern and midwestern United States, including states like Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, and others.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Dogberry thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is a shrub reaching up to 1.5 meters in height and is hardy in temperate regions. Propagate through seeds or cuttings. The fruit is edible and the plant is native to several eastern U.S. states including Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, and others.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Dogberry for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Dogberry in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Dogberry plants, garden gloves, trowel, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Dogberry in spring or fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that's light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure it gets full sun to partial shade.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young Dogberry plants from containers into the garden. Space them about 1-2 meters apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering during dry spells. Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune Dogberry after fruiting to encourage new growth and prevent disease. Remove any weak or diseased branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, neglecting winter protection in colder regions.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the dogberry (Ribes cynosbati) is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is commonly consumed fresh but can also be dried for later use. Skip
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Québec, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Masachusettes
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 8991deab-07c5-4716-9254-175c769dc3b2
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