Skip to main content

Wild Currant

Ribes glandulosum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Wild Currant (Ribes glandulosum)
Photo: Mark A. Garland. USA, NC, Haywood Co., Mountains-to-Sea Trail northeast of Grassy Ridge Mine Overlook at Blue Ridge Parkway mile marker 437. May 23, 2013. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

WI

Pollinators

bees, flies

Wild currant is a low-growing native shrub that forms neat, compact mounds in partial shade. It produces small greenish flowers in late spring followed by red berries, and offers reliable three-season interest with attractive foliage that turns yellow in fall.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Spreads by runners creating informal colonies
  • Can look sparse and weedy in winter
  • May be confused with non-native invasive currants

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and beneficial flies in May and June. Birds enjoy the small red berries that ripen in summer.

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.

Does Wild Currant fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

See it in the app

iPhone appAndroid app