How much sun does Chaparral currant need?

Chaparral currant grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Chaparral currant bloom?

Chaparral currant blooms in December, January, February, and March.

Where is Chaparral currant native?

Chaparral currant (Ribes malvaceum) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Chaparral currant attract?

Chaparral currant draws hummingbirds and bees.

Chaparral currant

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ribes malvaceum

Last reviewed: October 2026

Chaparral currant (Ribes malvaceum) is a perennial shrub native to CA. It blooms in December, January, February, and March. The flowers draw hummingbirds and bees.

Toxicity unknown

Chaparral currant (Ribes malvaceum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

36"–96" H × 36"–72" W

Bloom

Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Native to

Pollinators

hummingbirds, bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A deciduous, arching shrub with maple-like lobed leaves and drooping clusters of pink tubular flowers that open in winter. It has a loose, informal branching habit typical of chaparral understory shrubs.

Growing Chaparral currant

Grow Chaparral currant in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 96 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide.

Wildlife value

One of the earliest winter bloomers in its range, providing critical nectar for wintering and migrating hummingbirds and early-emerging native bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Chaparral currant need?: Chaparral currant grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Chaparral currant bloom?: Chaparral currant blooms in December, January, February, and March.
Where is Chaparral currant native?: Chaparral currant (Ribes malvaceum) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Chaparral currant attract?: Chaparral currant draws hummingbirds and bees.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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