Buffalo Currant
Ribes odoratum
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Pl. 7269 — Ribes odoratum
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IOverview
Overview
Buffalo Currant (Ribes odoratum) is a deciduous shrub native to the central and northern United States, thriving in habitats ranging from Arkansas to Wyoming. Known for its edible fruit and ornamental value, this plant can be found in moist, light to heavy soil conditions with a pH between 6 and 8. Buffalo Currant prefers full sun to partial shade and grows up to 2.5 meters tall. Its flowers and fruits are both edible, making it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow in various soil types, from sandy to clay, while another notable characteristic is its light to partial shade requirements, allowing for flexible placement in the garden.
Quick answers
What is Buffalo Currant?
Buffalo Currant (Ribes odoratum) is a deciduous shrub native to the central and northern United States, thriving in habitats ranging from Arkansas to Wyoming. Known for its edible fruit and ornamental value, this plant can be found in moist, light to heavy soil conditions with a pH between 6 and 8.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Buffalo Currant thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows up to 2.5 meters tall as a shrub. Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings. Harvest the edible flowers and fruit for culinary use. Soil pH should range between 6 and 8 for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
2.5 m tall
Soil pH
6–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Buffalo Currant for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple planting of Buffalo Currant to experience growing shrubs.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Buffalo Currant plant, garden gloves, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil drains well. Amend with compost if necessary. For containers, use a pot at least 30 cm wide and deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from a nursery into your garden or a large container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Monitor for any signs of stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, especially during hot weather. Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to encourage new growth and remove any damaged branches. Harvest flowers for their pleasant scent.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersFruit
Edible uses: Condiment, Tea
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
28 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
28 native · 2 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 28 native· 2 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Sweden
Asia1 region
introduced (1)Turkmenistan
Broader regions
native:Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Ontario, Oregon, Québec, Saskatchewan, Utah, Washington, Nebraska, Montana, New Mexico, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Alberta, Arkansas
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 7269f394-7d72-4d14-af17-64a894d848be
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