Grossulariaceae

Shrubs, sometimes armed with prickles and/or spines, with a well developed saucer-shaped to cylindrical floral tube (hypanthium) that is prolonged beyond the ovary and has sepals that are more prominent and conspicuous than the petals, and produce many-seeded berries as fruits. Stems of Gooseberry plants are armed with prickles and/or spines; Currant stems are not.

Leaves alternate, simple, stalked, often lobed, the lobes and veins often both arising from a central point like fingers on a hand (palmate). Leaves often in small close bundles or clusters (fascicles) on short side branches. Stipules absent.

Arrangement of flowers solitary or in small clusters or racemes, sometimes like a corymb, often located where the leaves join the stem. Individual flowers producing both pollen and seeds, blooming in May or June and with or without joints on their stalks. Sepals 4 or 5, separate or fused at the base, longer than the small petals. Petals 4 or 5, separate. Stamens 4 or 5, separate, alternating with the petals. Carpels 2, fused; ovary located below point of attachment of the other flower parts (inferior) and with one chamber; styles 1 or 2, two-lobed.

Some species are host to the fungus that causes white pine blister rust.