Ribes divaricatum var. pubiflorum (Straggly Gooseberry ...Ribes divaricatum, or Spreading Gooseberry, is a native North American, thorny deciduous shrub from the Pacific Coast, known for its maple-like lobed leaves, dangling green/purple flowers attracting pollinators, and small, edible, dark purple to black berries that are a favorite of birds and wildlife, offering great food and shelter in gardens.