Red Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum) is a deciduous shrub growing often growing as tall as it is broad. The bark is dark brownish grey, and the leaves are 0.8-2.8 inches long and broad. The flowers of Red Flowering Currant are produced in early spring at the same time as the leaves emerge. The fruit is a small, dark purple oval berry, edible but with a bitter taste. Red Flowering Currant is a popular garden shrub, valued for its brightly colored and scented flowers in early spring, and birds and habitat support. The flowers are a hummingbird favorite.
Classification: Perennial Key Characteristics: Pink flowers, fruit Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade Water Requirements: Dry to moist soil Ease of Growing: High Growth Rate: Fast Bloom Time: April – May Spreads: By seed Benefits: Wildlife, Rain garden, Pollinators, Beneficial insects, Wildfire resistant, Riparian zones, On Portland Plant List, Hummingbirds Edible: Yes Mature Height: 4-12 feet Mature Width: 3-10 feet
Photo Credits: Image 1: Ashley Smithers via Clark Conservation District Image 2: Ashley Smithers via Clark Conservation District Image 3: Ashley Smithers via Clark Conservation District Image 4: Zorah Oppenheimer via Clark Conservation District
