Hudson Bay Currant
Ribes hudsonianum
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 362D — Ribes hudsonianum
Ribes hudsonianumRibes hudsonianumRibes hudsonianumRibes hudsonianumRibes hudsonianumRibes hudsonianumRibes hudsonianumRibes hudsonianumRibes hudsonianumRibes hudsonianumRibes hudsonianumRibes hudsonianumRibes hudsonianumRibes hudsonianum
IOverview
Overview
Hudson Bay Currant (Ribes hudsonianum) is a deciduous shrub native to the northern regions of North America, including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, and parts of Canada such as Manitoba and Ontario. This plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils ranging from light sandy to heavy clay, with a pH between 5 and 6.9. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow up to 1 meter tall. Known for its edible fruit, Hudson Bay Currant is an ornamental shrub that adds beauty to gardens while providing a food source. Its distinctive feature lies in its adaptability to various soil types and its ability to flourish in both sunny and partially shaded areas.
Quick answers
What is Hudson Bay Currant?
Hudson Bay Currant (Ribes hudsonianum) is a deciduous shrub native to the northern regions of North America, including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, and parts of Canada such as Manitoba and Ontario. This plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils ranging from light sandy to heavy clay, with a pH between 5 and 6.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Hudson Bay Currant thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). The plant is hardy in temperate regions and grows up to 1 meter tall as a shrub. For best results, maintain a pH between 5 and 6.9. Propagate through seed or softwood cuttings. Harvest the edible fruit for use in various culinary applications.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
5–6.9
For first-time growers
How to grow Hudson Bay Currant for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Hudson Bay Currant in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Hudson Bay Currant plant, garden gloves, trowel, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist and cool.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to medium soil that drains well. Ensure the pH is between 5 and 6.9.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from containers into your garden, spacing them about 1 meter apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around the base for added moisture retention.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Prune in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after fruiting to encourage new growth and remove any dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Hudson Bay Currant's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It thrives in light to partial sun with moist, well-draining soil. The fruit can also be dried for later use.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
22 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
22 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 22 native
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Manitoba, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Northwest Territorie, Ontario, Oregon, Québec, Saskatchewan, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Yukon, Washington
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 362dca70-a52c-4bfd-b07e-9d8928a916ce
Decision aid
Choosing between Hudson Bay Currant and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.