Wild Red Currant

Scientific name

Ribes triste

Description

The Wild Red Currant is an appealing, short shrub, which can reach a height of 1 m. This plant may also be known by the common name Bitter Currant. The leaves are alternately arranged, prominently veined, have coarsely toothed margins, have slightly hairy underside, and resemble a Maple leaf with a heart shaped base spreading out into 3-5 lobes. The flowers are small, creamy pink colored, saucer shaped, appear in drooping clusters, and bloom between June and July. These flowers produce shiny, red berries that are edible to humans. The berries are also beneficial for wildlife, including birds and small mammals.

Planting conditions

The Wild Red Currant grows best in moist to wet conditions with partial sun exposure. It prefers poorly-drained, organically rich humus, clay, and loam soil types. This plant is susceptible to white pine rust, thus, should not be planted near pine trees. Wild Red Currant is shade tolerant but may produce less flowers and fruit unless present in a sunny area. This shrub can be naturally found in near forest edges, around swamps/marshes, and along river or lake shorelines.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Moist
  • Wet
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
  • Shade
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 1a
  • 1b
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 1 m
• Spread:
  • 1 m