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Northern Black Currant

Ribes hudsonianum

Last reviewed: October 2026

Northern Black Currant (Ribes hudsonianum)
Photo: (c) Mitch Van Dyke, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Northern Black Currant (Ribes hudsonianum) 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.

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

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested MountainsNorth American DesertsCentral Basin and RangeNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless Area

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.

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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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

See all plant problem guides

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