description Ribes sanguineum Overview
Ribes sanguineum, commonly called flowering currant or red-flowering currant, is a deciduous shrub native to western North America. It produces hanging clusters of pink to deep red flowers in spring, followed by dark, usually blue-black fruits that are eaten by birds. Introduced to British horticulture by Scottish plant collector David Douglas in the 1820s, it is now grown in wildlife gardens, mixed borders, and informal hedges.
insights Ranking position
Ribes sanguineum ranks #137 of 535 in the Shrub ranking, behind Cornus sericea, ahead of Erica carnea.
help Ribes sanguineum FAQ
Does the red-flowering currant produce edible fruit?
While Ribes sanguineum produces dark, blue-black fruits after its spring flowers fade, they are generally considered dry and unpalatable to humans. However, these berries are highly attractive to native bird populations across western North America.
Who introduced Ribes sanguineum to Western cultivation?
Ribes sanguineum was introduced to European cultivation by the Scottish botanist David Douglas in the early 19th century. Douglas famously explored the Pacific Northwest, where he discovered and cataloged numerous native North American plant species.
What color are the flowers on a Ribes sanguineum shrub?
Despite its common name of red-flowering currant, the hanging clusters of spring blossoms range from pale pink to deep red. Cultivars like 'White Icicle' have also been bred to feature purely white blooms.
Is the flowering currant susceptible to white pine blister rust?
Unlike some other Ribes species, Ribes sanguineum is generally resistant or immune to the white pine blister rust fungus. This makes it a safer planting choice in areas where pine forestry is a major agricultural concern.
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