How much sun does Squaw Currant need?

Squaw Currant grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Squaw Currant bloom?

Squaw Currant blooms in May and June.

Where is Squaw Currant native?

Squaw Currant (Ribes cereum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 11 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Squaw Currant toxic to livestock?

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

What pollinators does Squaw Currant attract?

Squaw Currant draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Is Squaw Currant HOA-friendly?

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

Squaw Currant

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ribes cereum

Last reviewed: July 2026

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

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 11 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts

Squaw currant is a compact native shrub that produces small pink to white tubular flowers in late spring. This drought-tolerant plant forms a neat, rounded shape and requires minimal care once established. The berries that follow the flowers are edible and add seasonal interest.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

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

Bare branches in winter may look sparse

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies during the May-June bloom period. Birds and small mammals enjoy the small red berries that ripen in summer.

Common questions

How much sun does Squaw Currant need?: Squaw Currant grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Squaw Currant bloom?: Squaw Currant blooms in May and June.
Where is Squaw Currant native?: Squaw Currant (Ribes cereum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 11 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Squaw Currant toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Squaw Currant as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Squaw Currant attract?: Squaw Currant draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Is Squaw Currant HOA-friendly?: Squaw 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 Squaw Currant? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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