| Ribes sanguineum | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Unranked: | Angiosperms |
| Unranked: | Eudicots |
| Unranked: | Core eudicots |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Grossulariaceae |
| Genus: | Ribes |
| Species: | R. sanguineum |
| Binomial name | |
| Ribes sanguineum Pursh | |
Ribes sanguineum (Flowering Currant or Red-flowering Currant) is a species of currant native to western coastal North America from central British Columbia south to central California.
Description[]
It is a deciduous shrub growing to 4 m tall. The bark is dark brownish-grey with prominent paler brown lenticels. The leaves are 2-7 cm long and broad, palmately lobed with five lobes; when young in spring, they have a strong resinous scent. The flowers are produced in early spring at the same time as the leaves emerge, on racemes 3-7 cm long of 5-30 flowers; each flower is 5-10 mm diameter, with five red or pink petals. The fruit is dark purple oval berry 1 cm long, edible but with an insipid taste.
Cultivation[]
Ribes sanguineum and its varieties and cultivars are a very popular garden shrub, grown for the brightly colored and scented flowers in early spring, and birds and habitat support. It was introduced into cultivation by 19th century Scottish botanist David Douglas.
Varieties[]
- var. glutinosum
- var. sanguineum[1]
Cultivars[]
Numerous cultivars have been selected with flowers ranging from white to dark red, and include:
- 'King Edward VII', with red flowers
- 'Pulborough Scarlet', also with red flowers
- 'White Icicle', with white flowers
Common Names[]
redflower currant,blood currant, winter currant, and pink-flowering currant
Requirements[]
- Medium to coarse textured soil
- Avoid full shade
Characteristics[]
- Provides early spring nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies
- Berries are tart but highly edible
- Prohibited in certains parts for Michigan
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