Golden currant
Ribes aureum
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Pl. EC60 — Ribes aureum
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IOverview
Overview
Golden currant (Ribes aureum) is a perennial shrub native to the western and central United States as well as parts of Canada. It thrives in habitats ranging from Alberta to Wyoming, with notable distributions in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Québec, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin. Known for its edible flowers and fruits, this plant can also be appreciated for its ornamental value. Golden currant prefers full to partial sun in dry to moist conditions, thriving in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 6 and 8. Its height of up to 2.4 meters and width of about 1 meter make it an attractive addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Golden currant?
Golden currant (Ribes aureum) is a perennial shrub native to the western and central United States as well as parts of Canada.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Golden currant thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) with a pH between 6 and 8. It is hardy in zones 3-8 and is native to regions like Alberta, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, and other states within its range. This perennial shrub requires dry to moist conditions and grows up to 2.4 meters tall with a width of about 1 meter. For propagation, gardeners can use cuttings or division methods. The edible parts include the flowers and fruit, making it a versatile plant for both ornamental and culinary purposes.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
2.4 m × 1 m
Soil pH
6–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Golden currant for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance shrub that thrives in various conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
Golden currant plants or seeds, garden gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with light to partial sun. Ensure soil is well-draining, pH 6-8.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants in spring or fall. Sow seeds in late winter for spring planting.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when dry, prune annually after flowering, mulch around base for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to encourage new growth and remove dead branches. Harvest flowers and fruits as desired.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting winter protection in colder zones.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersFruit
Edible uses: The golden currant's flowers and fruits are edible. The fruits can be eaten fresh or used in jams and jellies. The flowers are often picked and added to salads for a mild, sweet flavor. Both parts are typically enjoyed raw but can also be dried for later use.
Other uses:Animal feedAttracts insectsHedgerowWildlife habitat
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
28 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
28 native · 2 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 28 native· 2 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)United Kingdom
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Québec, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
introduced:West Virginia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · ec600578-f48b-41c8-885b-c17aa696e84e
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