Grossulariaceae
prickly currant
Ribes oxycanthoides L. var. lacustre Pers.
Indigenous Names: Hiwoxu:yeino Hiwoxu:-yein-o’ (Meaning: “Elk Berries” “Elk Rose”), Sapatuu=pi
Traditional Food Use
Arapaho
Berries eaten fresh or stored for winter
Ute
Eaten fresh, although they were sour in taste.
Cheyenne
Berries dried for future use.
Cheyenne
Berries eaten fresh
Ceremonial & Cultural Notes
Arapaho
Commentary: The Cheyenne also have a plant named “Elk Berry.”199
Ute
Some gooseberries were dried four to five days and stored for winter use. There is also a Mountain Gooseberry (Ribes montigenum) that is found from southern British Columbia to New Mexico.130
Botanical Reference
Parts Documented: Fruit, berries
Distribution: Moist, wooded or open sites; foothills to alpine; Northwest Territory, Canada to Colorado and Utah