Golden Currant

(Ribes aureum)

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Ribes aureum, commonly known as Golden Currant, is a deciduous shrub native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and along streams in the Western United States. It typically grows 2–3 meters (6 ft 7 in – 9 ft 10 in) tall and wide, with a loose and spreading form. The leaves are green, three-lobed, and somewhat leathery, turning a beautiful red in autumn. Golden Currant is notable for its clusters of bright, golden-yellow flowers that bloom in spring, which are conspicuous and can range from shades of cream to reddish, with a spicy fragrance reminiscent of cloves or vanilla. Following the flowering season, it produces small, edible berries that mature from amber yellow to black and are often used in cooking due to their tartness.

Golden Currant is valued for its drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and native plant gardens. It is also appreciated for its wildlife value, as the flowers attract pollinators and the berries provide food for birds. This shrub is adaptable to various soil types, provided they have good drainage, and it thrives in full sun to part shade. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to pests such as aphids and diseases like powdery mildew. Cultivars such as ’Cloth of Gold’ and ’Crandall’ offer variations in flower and fruit characteristics. Golden Currant is not known for aggressive roots or significant invasiveness, but it can spread by suckers if not managed.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 3-7 feet
  • Width: 2-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, 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., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to open woodlands, grasslands, and along streams in the Western United States and Canada

Other Names

Common Names: Buffalo Currant , Clove Currant , Pruterberry , Goldjohannisbeere , Gold-Johannisbeere , Gadellier Doré , Gullrips , Doftrips

Scientific Names: Ribes aureum , Ribes flavum , Ribes tenuiflorum , Ribes longiflorum , Ribes aureum var. chrysococcum , Ribes aureum var. tenuiflorum , Ribes leiobotrys , Ribes odoratum f. xanthocarpum , Ribes aureum var. leiobotrys , Ribes odoratum var. leiobotrys

GBIF Accepted Name: Ribes aureum Pursh