What is this plant?

[janedoe]

I'm moving the "wild" part of our property back by increments and came across this. The stalk is fairly thick and has thorns. The leaves look like grape leaves but nothing else corresponds. The second pic is of the "fruit".

Any ideas? I hate to rip it out if it will be useful.

[Snowshoe]

Gooseberry? Think so. It's edible and and feeds wildlife. We had some in a hedge, they're good, once you get past the prickly parts.

West Virginia DNR - Native Shrubs

[janedoe]

Gooseberry? Think so. It's edible and and feeds wildlife. We had some in a hedge, they're good, once you get past the prickly parts.

West Virginia DNR - Native Shrubs

That looks very promising. That would be ridiculously exciting. I was thinking of planting blackberries or something over there but was concerned about sunlight so if the gooseberries like the area, I'll encourage them.

[Snowshoe]

Yes, gooseberries handle some shade well. Our hedge area was in heavy shade but they still produced berries. Of course I mean it's the berries we ate but they themselves are covered in prickles. Sort of soft prickles.

[janedoe]

Good to know. I was just out back checking again. They're very small but look as described. I think I can get them more light and there seem to be more of them than I originally thought. Very nice. I'll check out maturity rates and keep an eye on them.

[POPTOP]

Have heard of gooseberries but never seen the plant. Learn something new here every day.

[doubledip1]

Post pictures when the fruit ripens a little more. If it truly is gooseberry (looks like it), they look like little baby round watermelons when ripened.

[janedoe]

Post pictures when the fruit ripens a little more. If it truly is gooseberry (looks like it), they look like little baby round watermelons when ripened.

They are teeny tiny right now. I'll keep an eye on them.