Botanical Name: Ribes alpinum
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Common Name: Alpine Currant  
Plant photo of: Ribes alpinum
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Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Light Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

Red

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:
  • Description

  • Notes

Alpine currant is a compact, deciduous shrub that grows 3 to 6 feet tall and wide, with a very uniform, rounded-mounded form. Bright green leaves have 3 to 5 lobes, and turn to a dull yellow in fall. Flowers are greenish-yellow and inconspicuous. Dioecious (separate male and female plants). Fruit on female plants is an inedible, scarlet berry. However, most plants of this species which are sold commercially are male clones (males are reportedly immune to rust diseases). Stems are chestnut brown and may exfoliate (peel) as they mature. This is a handy shrub for the north and east foundations or under taller canopied trees as it does well in dense shade.