Stink Currant

Scientific name

Ribes bracteosum

Description

Stink Currant is a deciduous shrub species that typically grows between 1 and 3 m in height. This plant may also be known by the common names Blue Currant or California Currant. The leaves are large, alternately arranged, have 5-7 lobes, have toothed margins, may be hairy, and resemble a Maple leaf. The flowers are small, saucer shaped, have white to green colored petals, appear in dense erect clusters, and bloom between May and June. The fruits are round blueish black colored berries that ripen between August and September. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species, including bees and butterflies. The fruit and habitat this shrub provide are beneficial to wildlife species, such as birds and small mammals. The roots are good for controlling erosion and stabilizing shorelines. This plant has yellow glands that release a sweet, skunk like odor, hence the common name.

Planting conditions

Stink Currant grows best in moist to wet conditions with shade or partial sun exposure. It prefers slightly acidic sand, loam, or clay soil types. It is tolerant of periodically flooded areas and shade. This shrub can be naturally found in moist forests, around wetlands, and along stream or lake shorelines.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Moist
  • Wet
  • Flood Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Partial sun
  • Shade
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
• Eco Zone:
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 7a
  • 7b
  • 8a
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 3 m
• Spread:
  • 3 m