Alpine Currant

(Ribes alpinum)

Alpine Currant (Ribes alpinum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Ribes alpinum, commonly known as Alpine Currant, is a deciduous shrub native to northern and central European forests as well as Western Asia, often found in mountainous regions and woodland edges. It typically grows to 2 m (6.5 feet) tall and 1.5 m (4.9 feet) broad, with an upright and dense habit. The bark is smooth and light grey when young, becoming brownish-grey and flaky with age. The leaves are palmately lobed, with a dark green upper surface and a lighter green underside. Alpine Currant is dioecious, with separate male and female plants; the male flowers are more conspicuous with longer clusters. Flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and appear in early spring, followed by bright red but bland-tasting berries resembling redcurrants.

Alpine Currant is valued for its hardiness and low maintenance, making it a popular choice for hedging and foundation plantings in urban and suburban landscapes. It tolerates a range of soil types and drainage conditions, though it prefers moist, well-drained soils. It can grow in full sun to part shade and is relatively drought-tolerant once established. This shrub is also appreciated for its resistance to pests and diseases, although it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and aphids. Pruning is seldom needed but can be done to maintain a desired shape.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 3-6 feet
  • Width: 3-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Northern and central European forests and Western Asia, often in mountainous regions and woodland edges

Other Names

Common Names: Mountain Currant , Fjeld-Ribs , Alpen-Johannisbeere , Alpenjohannisbeere , Taikinamarja , Groseillier Des Alpes , Gadellier Alpin , Groseillier Sauvage , Alperips , Alpenbes

Scientific Names: Ribes alpinum , Ribes scopolii , Ribes alpinum var. pumilum , Ribes viridissimum , Ribes grossulariifolium , Ribes leucocladon , Ribes pilosum , Ribes bacciferum , Ribes opulifolium , Grossularia insipida

GBIF Accepted Name: Ribes alpinum L.