A beautiful and useful shrub native across North America, the golden currant is a harbinger of spring in many parts of the continent when its bright and fragrant yellow flowers begin to open. The golden currants that follow have long been cherished as a wild edible and are one of the easiest to grow fruiting shrubs. Another bonus for the golden currant, it has no spines!

A favorite fruit for many people around the world, most of us Americans have not had the opportunity to taste these delicious berries. Beautiful additions to your yard or landscape, these upright growing shrubs are attractive in bloom and a striking sight when fruiting, with large clusters of pink, red, white or black berries cascading down the heavily laden branches. Currants are rich in antioxidants and have a much higher vitamin C content than oranges

Latin Name: Ribes aureum
Site and Soil: Currants like 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Rootstock Description: Self rooted
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile.
Hardiness: Hardy to minus 40° F.
Bearing Age: 1-2 years after planting
Size at Maturity: 3-5 ft. in height
Bloom Time: March-April
Ripening Time: July
Yield: 10-20 lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Currants are not bothered by significant pest or disease problems in our region. White Pine Blister Rust can be a problem for Black Currants in certain eastern and Midwestern states. Check with your extension service for details.
USDA Zone: 3-7

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King Edward VII Flowering Currant produces large, vivid, bright red flowers in spring on stiff, upright stems. It is drought tolerant once established and grows well in full sun or partial shade. The fruit are blue-black and produced in July. Currants are a wonderful native plant that has been used for years as a food source for Native Americans for many years. Red flowering currants provide nectar and habitat for hummingbirds, bees and butterflies.

Latin Name: Ribes sanguineum
Site and Soil: Moderately fertile, well-drained soil with full to partial sun.
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 3-6 ft. in height and width
Fruit Color: Blue-Black
Flower Color: Bright Red
Bloom Time: March-June
Ripening Time: July
Pests & Diseases: King Edward is fairly resistant to most insect and fungal pests of the genus Ribes.
USDA Zone: 6-8

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