When does Sierra currant bloom?

Sierra currant typically flowers from April through June, producing small clusters of pink and white blossoms on arching stems.

What light conditions does Sierra currant prefer?

It grows best in part sun to part shade, often thriving under the dappled light found along mountain streams and forest edges.

How much water does Sierra currant need?

Once established, Sierra currant gets by on low water, though it also tolerates the moderate moisture found in streamside or seasonally wet sites.

What pollinators are attracted to Sierra currant?

Its tubular flowers draw bees and hummingbirds, which visit the blossoms for nectar during the spring bloom period.

Is Sierra Currant toxic to livestock?

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

Is Sierra Currant HOA-friendly?

Sierra Currant is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Sierra Currant

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ribes nevadense

Last reviewed: September 2026

Ribes nevadense, or Sierra currant, is a deciduous shrub that produces clusters of pink and white flowers from April through June and grows well in part sun with low to moderate water.

Sierra Currant (Ribes nevadense) 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 Sierra Currant as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

24"–60" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, NV

Pollinators

bees, hummingbirds

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Sierra currant is a native deciduous shrub with pink to reddish flower clusters that bloom in spring. It grows well in partial sun and requires low water once established, making it drought-tolerant.

Growing Sierra Currant

Grow Sierra Currant in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Sierra Currant is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, foundation.

Deciduous nature means bare branches in winter
May look somewhat wild or informal if not pruned regularly
Can spread over time if not maintained

Wildlife value

The flowers provide important nectar for bees and hummingbirds in spring. The summer berries are a food source for birds and small mammals.

Common questions

When does Sierra currant bloom?: Sierra currant typically flowers from April through June, producing small clusters of pink and white blossoms on arching stems.
What light conditions does Sierra currant prefer?: It grows best in part sun to part shade, often thriving under the dappled light found along mountain streams and forest edges.
How much water does Sierra currant need?: Once established, Sierra currant gets by on low water, though it also tolerates the moderate moisture found in streamside or seasonally wet sites.
What pollinators are attracted to Sierra currant?: Its tubular flowers draw bees and hummingbirds, which visit the blossoms for nectar during the spring bloom period.
Is Sierra Currant toxic to dogs?: Sierra Currant is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Sierra Currant toxic to cats?: Sierra Currant is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Sierra Currant toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Sierra Currant as toxic to livestock.
Is Sierra Currant HOA-friendly?: Sierra Currant is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Sierra Currant? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz