How much sun does Swamp Red Currant need?

Swamp Red Currant grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Swamp Red Currant bloom?

Swamp Red Currant blooms in May and June.

Where is Swamp Red Currant native?

Swamp Red Currant (Ribes triste) is native to CT, ID, IL, MA and 18 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Swamp Red Currant toxic to livestock?

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

What pollinators does Swamp Red Currant attract?

Swamp Red Currant draws bees and flies.

Is Swamp Red Currant HOA-friendly?

Swamp Red Currant takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Swamp Red Currant

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ribes triste

Last reviewed: June 2026

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

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

24"–48" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

CT, ID, IL, MA and 18 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Swamp red currant is a low-growing native shrub that thrives in moist, shady areas. It produces small clusters of red flowers in late spring followed by red berries, making it useful for naturalized areas and rain gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Swamp Red Currant takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Requires consistently moist soil which may appear swampy
Informal growth habit looks too wild for most front yards
Name includes 'swamp' which signals maintenance concerns

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and flies in May and June. Birds enjoy the red berries in summer, and the dense growth provides nesting habitat for small songbirds.

Common questions

How much sun does Swamp Red Currant need?: Swamp Red Currant grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Swamp Red Currant bloom?: Swamp Red Currant blooms in May and June.
Where is Swamp Red Currant native?: Swamp Red Currant (Ribes triste) is native to CT, ID, IL, MA and 18 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Swamp Red Currant toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Swamp Red Currant as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Swamp Red Currant attract?: Swamp Red Currant draws bees and flies.
Is Swamp Red Currant HOA-friendly?: Swamp Red Currant takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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 Swamp Red Currant? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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