Skunk Currant
Ribes glandulosum
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Pl. B5DD — Ribes glandulosum
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IOverview
Overview
Skunk Currant (Ribes glandulosum) is a shrub native to the Central Chile region and has been introduced to various areas in North America, including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Connecticut, Labrador, Maine, and Manitoba. This adaptable plant thrives in moist conditions and can grow in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, making it suitable for diverse environments. Skunk Currant reaches a height of up to 0.4 meters and prefers full sun to partial shade. Known for its edible fruit, the plant is valued for its ornamental appeal and as a food source. The fruit can be enjoyed fresh or used in culinary applications. Skunk Currant is propagated through seeds or cuttings and is a ground cover with a fragrant quality. While it is not medicinal, it is important to handle the plant with care due to its potential to emit a skunk-like odor.
Quick answers
What is Skunk Currant?
Skunk Currant (Ribes glandulosum) is a shrub native to the Central Chile region and has been introduced to various areas in North America, including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Connecticut, Labrador, Maine, and Manitoba.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Skunk Currant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows up to 0.4 meters tall and is a shrub. Hardy in temperate regions, this plant is native to areas like Chile Central, Alaska, and parts of Canada. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing adequate sunlight. Propagate through seeds or cuttings. The fruit is edible and can be enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary applications.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
0.4 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Skunk Currant for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple skunk currant shrub for your garden, focusing on basic care and maintenance.
- 1
What you'll need
A skunk currant plant or seeds, a trowel, mulch, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist and cool.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with medium moisture. Amend heavy clay soils with sand.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from a nursery, or sow seeds directly in the ground after stratification.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial sun to full sun exposure. Water when dry, especially during fruiting season. Prune in late winter or early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the shrub after fruiting to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without amending, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:Ground coverFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
33 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
33 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 33 native
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, British Columbia, Chile Central, Connecticut, Labrador, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Masachusettes, Michigan, Minnesota, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Newfoundland, North Carolina, Northwest Territorie, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward I., Québec, Saskatchewan, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Yukon
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Native to
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