Emily's Gardening Almanac Timely Tips from a Professional Gardening Expert

Currant and Gooseberry Plants in North Carolina

I received a phone call from a consumer that was concerning because of the possible consequences. The consumer wanted to buy some gooseberries and currant from a mail order magazine. She wanted information on how to grow gooseberries and currants.

In 1985 the NC Dept. of Agriculture declared all wild and cultivated currant and gooseberry plants in North Carolina to be dangerous and subject to destruction. Also no person shall grow or keep any currant or gooseberry plant upon his land. (Statutory Authority G.S. 106-65.45;106-284.18;106-420; Effective January 1, 1985)

The reason for this plant being regulated is due to the White Pine Blister Rust disease. This disease is caused by a Eurasian Fungus, Cronartium ribicola. Currant and gooseberries serve as host for this fungus. The fungus does not spread from white pine to white pine, however; must come from a host plant.

Any nursery mailing plants into North Carolina should be aware of the regulations but I have now heard that one of our Master Gardeners ordered and received currants from a mail order nursery. So be aware of this problem plant and pass the word to your fellow gardeners.

Visit the following web sites for more gardening information and helpful tips:

Urban Horticulture, NCSU
Extension's Successful Gardener^sm

For informaton concerning this or other publications please contact Emily Revels, Extension Agent, Horticulture, at (910) 321-6870.

Created by Susan Johnson, System Administrator, May 2005