A patch of Missouri gooseberry at Sharon Woods is being handled with care while construction crews mere yards away move dirt and reconstruct the park’s lake.
“Missouri gooseberry is an interesting plant. It is state-threatened in Ohio, and it’s a rare plant across the entire state and for us in particular,” says Daniel Kovar, conservation biologist with Great Parks. “It’s only found in a couple of counties here in southwest Ohio. Even within Hamilton County, it’s pretty rare. So it’s a special plant for us.”
Missouri gooseberry is a deciduous shrub that flowers in April and May, producing fruit in June through September. The Missouri Department of Conservation notes it has prickly stems and edible fruit for those brave enough “to collect its tart, tasty fruits to make pies, jams, and jellies.”…