This male Anna's hummingbird perched on a branch of fuschia flowering gooseberry is common in many regions of California. The gooseberry is found along the California coast in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and shady woodlands from the South Bay to Baja California. At first look, the delicate, abundant gooseberry blooms and tiny hummingbird appear fragile. Herbivores and predators quickly learn that what appears to be an easy meal will be met with visciously effective spines that conceal themselves within the foliage and flowers. This gooseberry definitely understands the assignment. I have loved/hated fuschia flowering gooseberry from my 20 years as a California native plant demonstration garden volunteer. Every spring we were rewarded with an abundance of these beautiful, ballerina-like flowers. When it went into its scraggly summer dormancy, we then wrestled with this plant to cut it back without getting torn to shreds. Plant this gooseberry in the back part of your garden for a spring delight and nectar source for hummingbirds and away from pathways where they might grab an unsuspecting visitor. During its dormancy when it's not looking so cute, let the other garden plants' greenery obscure the bare branches. This painting is much easier to cultivate. All the beauty and delight without the scratches and work. Medium: Watercolor on paper Framing: Matted and framed with anti-glare and UV protecting glass Framed size: 20” Width X 16” Length Protect and Share the Wildlife of California With your purchase of this artwork, a portion of the proceeds will go toward the California Native Plant Society and other organizations that work to protect California’s wildlife and open spaces. All sales of original artwork are final.
