How much sun does Northern Black Currant need?

Northern Black Currant grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Northern Black Currant bloom?

Northern Black Currant blooms in May and June.

Where is Northern Black Currant native?

Northern Black Currant (Ribes hudsonianum) is native to CA, CO, IA, ID and 9 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Northern Black Currant toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Northern Black Currant as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Northern Black Currant attract?

Northern Black Currant draws bees and flies.

Is Northern Black Currant HOA-friendly?

Northern Black Currant is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Northern Black Currant

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ribes hudsonianum

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Northern Black Currant as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

24"–60" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

CA, CO, IA, ID and 9 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range

Northern black currant is a compact native shrub that produces small white flowers in late spring followed by dark berries in summer. This shrub grows well in partial shade and forms a rounded, manageable shape that works nicely in cultivated landscapes.

In an HOA neighborhood

Northern Black Currant is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Berries may drop and stain pavement if planted too close to walkways

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and flies in May and June, while the berries provide food for birds and small mammals throughout summer.

Common questions

How much sun does Northern Black Currant need?: Northern Black Currant grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Northern Black Currant bloom?: Northern Black Currant blooms in May and June.
Where is Northern Black Currant native?: Northern Black Currant (Ribes hudsonianum) is native to CA, CO, IA, ID and 9 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Northern Black Currant toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Northern Black Currant as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Northern Black Currant attract?: Northern Black Currant draws bees and flies.
Is Northern Black Currant HOA-friendly?: Northern Black Currant is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low 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 Northern Black Currant? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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