Flowering Currant
Ribes sanguineum
Last reviewed: July 2026
Ribes sanguineum (Flowering Currant) is a native Pacific Northwest shrub producing clusters of pink to red flowers from February through April. This drought-tolerant plant attracts hummingbirds and bees while thriving in various light conditions.
Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Flowering Currant as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
36"–120" H × 36"–96" W
Bloom
Feb, Mar, Apr
Native to
CA, ID, OR, WA
Pollinators
hummingbirds, bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Flowering currant is a deciduous native shrub with showy pink to red blooms in late winter through spring. It grows 3-10 feet tall and wide with attractive lobed leaves that provide nice fall color.
Growing Flowering Currant
Grow Flowering Currant in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 120 inches tall and spread 36 to 96 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Flowering Currant is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- May look sparse in winter after leaf drop
- Requires regular pruning to maintain neat shape
Wildlife value
This shrub is highly valuable for early-season pollinators, attracting hummingbirds and native bees when few other plants are blooming. Birds may also eat the small fruits that follow the flowers.
Common questions
- When does Ribes sanguineum bloom?
- Flowering Currant blooms from February through April, producing drooping clusters of pink to red flowers before the leaves fully emerge.
- What pollinators visit Ribes sanguineum?
- Flowering Currant attracts both hummingbirds and various bee species. The tubular flowers are particularly well-suited for hummingbird feeding.
- Where is Ribes sanguineum native?
- Flowering Currant is native to the Pacific Northwest, naturally occurring in California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
- What growing conditions does Ribes sanguineum prefer?
- This adaptable shrub tolerates full sun to partial shade and prefers medium to low water conditions once established, making it excellent for drought-tolerant gardens.
- Is Flowering Currant toxic to dogs?
- Flowering Currant is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Flowering Currant toxic to cats?
- Flowering Currant is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Flowering Currant toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Flowering Currant as toxic to livestock.
- Is Flowering Currant HOA-friendly?
- Flowering Currant is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Flowering Currant? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz