American Black Currant

(Ribes americanum)

American Black Currant (Ribes americanum)

Rafael Medina

CC BY 4.0

Image By: Rafael Medina

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Ribes americanum, commonly known as American Black Currant, is a deciduous shrub native to moist woodland areas, forest edges, and stream banks in the Eastern and Central United States, as well as parts of Canada. It typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1.5 meters (20-60 inches) with erect branches and broad, lobed leaves that turn red and gold in the autumn, providing seasonal interest. The plant produces an inflorescence consisting of a spreading or drooping raceme with up to 15 flowers, each featuring reflexed white or greenish sepals and smaller whitish petals. The flowering season occurs in spring, and the flowers are modest in showiness. Following pollination, the shrub bears smooth, rounded black berries about a centimeter (0.4 inch) wide, which are notable for being edible when cooked.

American Black Currant is valued for its wildlife-friendly attributes, as the berries provide food for birds and other animals. It is used in naturalistic plantings, as a border shrub, and for restoration projects. This shrub is relatively low-maintenance, adaptable to a range of soil types, and can thrive in full sun to part shade conditions. It requires medium amounts of water and can tolerate various drainage levels. While not commonly afflicted by serious diseases, it can be susceptible to white pine blister rust, which limits its use in areas where white pines are present. Gardeners should be aware of local regulations as planting may be restricted due to the rust issue.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub
Height: 3-5 feet
Width: 3-5 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Yellow, Green
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, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Moist woodland areas, forest edges, and stream banks

Other Names

Common Names: Blank Currant, Wild Black Currant, Kanadische Johannisbeere, Groseillier D’Amérique, Gadellier Américain, Gadellier D’Amérique, Gadellier De La Floride, Parktistron

Scientific Names: , Ribes americanum, Ribes missouriense, Ribes pensylvanicum, Ribes campanulatum, Ribes recurvatum, Ribes americanum f. pauciglandulosum, Ribes floridum, Coreosma americana, Coreosma americana var. mesochora

GBIF Accepted Name: Ribes americanum Mill.