Gooseberry is an oval, tart fruit or berry that is closely related to the currant. Gooseberries are commonly used in jams, jellies, preserves, and pies. The fruit may be white, yellow, green, or red, and may have a prickly, hairy, or smooth surface. There are dozens of species (kinds) of gooseberry. Two well-known species are the American, or hairystem, gooseberry and the European gooseberry. Gooseberry shrubs grow in various parts of Europe and North America. They do well in light shade in cool, moist regions. The shrubs can be grown from cuttings. They grow best in soil that drains excess moisture well and is rich in nutrients (nourishing substances). Shrubs should be planted 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) apart in rows. The rows may be 8 feet (2.4 meters) apart. Gooseberry shrubs are host plants for white pine blister rust fungus, a disease harmful to white pine trees. Thus, they should not be planted close to white pines. See also Currant .
