Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme
Aromatic canyon gooseberry
(c) Jerry Kirkhart, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Grossulariaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme (Aromatic canyon gooseberry) is a native California shrub in the Grossulariaceae family, recognized by strongly aromatic leaves diagnostic.
Aromatic canyon gooseberry is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native shrub found in southern Sierra Nevada Foothills in chaparral and montane woodland at elevations of 900 to 1,100 meters. Flowering in April, this plant produces delicate flowers with subtle hues nestled among strongly scented foliage. Growing to less than 2 meters tall with dense, compact branching, it forms a compact woodland shrub. Its leaves are distinctively aromatic, releasing a notable fragrance when brushed or crushed, with a complex structure that provides textural interest to its woodland habitat. The shrub's compact form and intensely aromatic foliage make it a distinctive feature of its chaparral ecosystem.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species; strongly aromatic leaves diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, montane woodland
Elevation: 900-1100 m
California counties: Kern, Tulare, Fresno, Plumas
Bloom period
Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme blooms Apr.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Rubus: Ribes has palmately lobed leaves; blackberry has compound leaves with 3-7 separate leaflets.; vs Rhus: Ribes has palmately lobed simple leaves; sumac has pinnately compound leaves with separate leaflets.; vs Quercus: Ribes has toothed maple-like lobes; oak has smooth-edged rounded lobes and acorns.; vs Acer: Ribes has drooping flower clusters; maple has upright flower clusters and winged paired fruits.; vs Holodiscus: Ribes has broad palmately lobed leaves; ocean spray has pinnately arranged leaflets on compound leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme native to California?
Yes. Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme bloom?
Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme blooms Apr.
Where in California does Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme grow?
Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme occurs in Kern, Tulare, Fresno, Plumas, at elevations of 900-1100 m.
What plant family does Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme belong to?
Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme is in the Grossulariaceae family, genus Ribes.
Is Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme rare or endangered?
Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.