Squaw Currant
Ribes cereum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Squaw Currant (Ribes cereum) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 11 more states. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Squaw Currant (Ribes cereum) 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 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
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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
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.
Growing Squaw Currant
Grow Squaw Currant in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz