Skunk Currant

Scientific name

Ribes glandulosum

Description

Skunk Currant is a shrub species that typically grows about 0.5 m in height. The leaves are alternately arranged, green coloured, prominently veined, have heart shaped bases, have 5-7 lobes, and have coarsely toothed margins. The flowers are tiny, saucer or bell shaped, white coloured with small pink petals, appear on ascending clusters of 6-15, and bloom between May and June. The fruits are round red berries covered with hairs. The leaves and stem release an unpleasant odor when broken, hence the common name. Currant species may act as a host for white pine blister rust so do not plant near pine trees. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species, like bees and butterflies. The fruits are also beneficial to wildlife species, like birds and small mammals.

Planting conditions

Skunk Currant grows best in moist to wet conditions with shade or partial sun exposure. It prefers organically rich loam or humus soil types but can adapt to rocky areas. It is tolerant of shade, periodically flooded areas, acidic or alkaline pH levels, and steep slopes. This shrub can be naturally found in wet forests, around swamps or bogs, on rocky slopes, and along shaded river or lake shorelines.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Moist
  • Wet
  • Flood Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Partial sun
  • Shade
• Soil type:
  • Loamy
  • Humus
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Basic
• Depth:
  • Potted
• Eco Zone:
  • 1b
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 0.5 m
• Spread:
  • 2 m