Washington DC 20250-1103, https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/ribes_aureum.shtml, Pollinator-Friendly Best Management Practices, Native Plant Material Accomplishment Reports, Fading Gold: The Decline of Aspen in the West, Wildflowers, Part of the Pagentry of Fall Colors, Tall Forb Community of the Intermountain West, Strategic Planning, Budget And Accountability, Recreation, Heritage And Volunteer Resources. Fresh black, red, pink, or white currants, as well as dried black currants, can be enjoyed in various ways. A 1-cup (140-gram) serving of golden berries contains the following ( 1 ): Calories: 74. For a number of reasons, golden currant makes an ideal landscape plant. Shrubs are less than 13 feet tall, with multiple stems. Who can help me so I can start using them if they are undeed good to eat. Wood is a type of tissue made of cellulose and lignin that many plants develop as they mature whether they are woody or not. The average weight of fruits is about 1 g, that is, they are identical in size to red and white currants. Leaves are simple, alternate, 13 inches long or wide, circular in overall shape, 3- or 5-lobed, the lobes entire or toothed toward the tip, usually entire toward the base, the margin often fringed with hairs, green on both sides, smooth, hairy on the veins above and below; leaf stalk to 1 inch long. All Rights Reserved. Im going to cover all the important aspects of the Golden currant to help you grow a healthy and vigorous plant. Some I have not yet identified to species, but are 100% Vaccinium. These bushes arrives on time, happy and healthy, well packaged in biodegradable containers that I just popped in the ground. On the other hand, they're more productive in full sun. Timber Press, Portland, OR. But they were perfect in sorbet bright, a pretty pale pink, and refreshing. Josie: Sorta. Id happily eat it as a trail nibble, or if I were in trouble, but I will not be picking them again. The flowers have a strong fragrance reminiscent of spicy cloves or sweet carnations. The gooseberries and currants have regular, bisexual flowers, usually about 1/4inch in diameter. Seed requires an 8 week stratification period for maximum germination. It bears edible fruit. Form: Upright, to spreading or slightly arching shrub. Cant comment on growth yet since its brand new but its one of the healthiest looking bareroot plants Ive purchased from anywhere. In the wild, uncommon, mostly in the western portion of the Ozarks. They can be dried on screens in light shade (protected from birds) to be later added to granolas, cereals, or trailmixes. It blooms in spring with golden yellow flowers, often with a pronounced fragrance similar to that of cloves or vanilla. Colleen, these arent for you I dont think. Since Missouri is not in the range of white pine, other than as ornamental plantings, the blister rust has not been considered a threat here. Insect, disease, or other problems: Golden currant suffers from occasional infestations of aphids. They can be used fresh in pies, ice creams, crisps, or cobblers. Hank, I love what youre doingfun and delicious. Propagation: Golden currant can be propagated either by seed or vegetative cuttings. In the wild, these species are found in forests, woodlands, canyons, and riparian areas at elevations ranging from . The Golden currant (Ribes aureum) is a flowering shrub thats native to North America and grows best in areas abundant in groundwater like areas near creeks or bottom of canyons. The golden currant is widely planted for its bright yellow, fragrant flowers that appear during spring. Those pretty magenta flowers ripen into a deep blue currant, distinguishable by a frosty bloom and the fact that it seems to have five oclock shadow. The five large, golden-yellow, petal-like lobes spreading at a right angle from the rim of the hypanthium are technically sepals, while the smaller, erect yellowish to red petals point straight up and alternate with the five stamens. Carefully packaged, arrived looking healthy, arrived sooner than expected. The berries can also be converted into jams and jellies. Found a lot of em walking along the first few miles of the Lower Paradise Valley trail in KC. The plants attractive form makes this species useful as a specimen shrub. However, spread is very slow, serving to increase the size of the shrub rather than to invade surrounding areas. Bark is reddish brown to gray, often splits, with the thin sheets curling along the trunk; the pores are prominent; the wood is white, soft. Thank you! It is uncommon in the western part of the Ozarks. Box 200 Columbia, MO 65205 Phone: (888) 843-6739 | General Inquiries:info@moprairie.org| Outreach or Educational Inquiries: outreach@moprairie.org The Missouri Prairie Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. So if you are still looking for those Western golden currants, you should go there. 2014 - 2023 University of Wyoming Extension |, http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Ribes%20aureum.pdf. We did, and got a couple of surprises in the process. Other Names: Ribes . It is the most popular variety carried by local nurseries and is recommended for Colorado. hendersonii. Or cobbler, or whatever. So far they look happy in my landscape. The early stage caterpillars feed on the undersides of the leaves, so its harder to see them. During dormancy, thin, leafless stems reveal reddish brown, exfoliating bark. Seeds, cuttiings, layering or division (suckers). Tolerates poor soils, clay soils and drought. Photo by Al Schneider. Golden currant is primarily grown as an ornamental shrub rather than for harvest of its fruit. Other than bacterial diseases, the Ribes aureum can also be attacked by western caterpillars that will also cause defoliation. In general, gooseberry plants are spiny while currant plants tend not to be armed with spines. US Forest Service Factsheet. Delicious! Plants were well packaged and were healthy. Therefore, the golden currant not only provides sustenance to bees and monarch butterflies but also to fruit eating birds, making it an all-round useful plant. I go over to the coast to pick mine, but would rather pick closer to home. Similar species: Not counting cultivated currants and gooseberries, Missouri has 4 species in genus Ribes (pronounced RYE-beez) that may be encountered in natural habitats. In wet, humid conditions, anthracnose, powdery mildew and fungal leaf spot can be troublesome. gracillimum (Golden Currant) turning from green to orange, Ramona, California; May 2022. Ribes aureum, commonly known as golden currant, is an upright, rhizomatous, leathery-leaved, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub that typically grows to 3-7' tall with a slightly smaller spread.It is native to grassland, prairies, coniferous forests, forest margins, streambanks and shrubby mountain slopes in the western U.S. and Canada from British Columbia to . You may unsubscribe at any time. All rights reserved. Photo by Susan McDougall. Id like to see if I can grab some when I go up this week. 1400 Independence Ave., SW I let the mash cool to room temperature and then poured it into a plastic container to steep in the fridge for several days you dont need to wait several days, but I was busy with other things. Found in roadside ditches, fencerows, thickets, montane meadows, and streamsides, Golden currant ranges from southern Canada to California, Arizona, South Dakota, and western Texas. Its best to prune the shrub after flowering. Volunteers from seed are rare. Its adapted to regular low-intensity fires that inspired it to regenerate from its base. Check out theGrow Native! I live in Gridley but visit the foothills up here. Bacterial spot diseases can cause necrotic spots on the leaves, stems and fruits of the golden currant. Provides fragrance in early spring. Just the like the domestic gooseberries I used to grow when I lived in Fredericksburg, Virginia. . Currant aphid, scale, currant bud mite and currant fruit fly are potential insect pests in some areas. I finally found a new spot a few weeks ago in the foothills up here. If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days. Ten states primarily in the eastern United States currently maintain various types of bans on Ribes species plants. gracillimum (Golden Currant) with many unripe, green berries and one ripe red berry, Ramona, California; May 2022. Cultivated statewide for its edible fruits. Heres a tip though: Pick the dry ones too, as the moisture from the good ones seem to rehydrate the dry ones back to their original glory. Its a staple here at the house, making a fantastic, lean version of corned beef thats great for sandwiches, with cabbage or in hash. Golden Currant doesnt require any special care. ofgarden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more! The currant provides some protection for your landscape. Individual blooms are about inch in diameter. The edible berries provide food for birds or very quick (need to beat the birds) people. True currants are small berries that grow on shrubs and are more like gooseberries. I covered them with water, boiled it for 2-3 minutes, turned off the heat and mashed them with the potato masher. My plant arrived quickly and in excellent condition. The flowers attract hummingbirds and . Mike: Interesting! To grow it healthy, without facing many problems you just need to practice below care techniques. What do you do with gooseberries? Golden Currants will do best if they are planted in full sun, but a little shade in hot regions won't be detrimental. Very low maintenance. However, this earthy, rough dark berry sense makes up the true flavor of black currants. Twigs are flexible, reddish brown, hairy; the spurs on the stem bearing fruit; older twigs are grayish brown. Depending on provenance, leaves turn yellow, orange, red, or purple-red in fall. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. They're often used in Dutch and French cuisines, featured in scones . Availability: Commonly available as potted plants from traditional and native-plant nurseries. It once was classified as rare, but recent surveys have found enough populations to drop it from the listing. Your email address will not be published. I live in Butte County and have found quite a few. Flowers AprilJune, in nodding clusters of 310 flowers; flower stalks are jointed toward the tip; flowers golden yellow, fragrant, cylindrical; petals 5, spreading or reflexed, tip broadly rounded; stamens 5, short. Cut older stems (those that have darker stems) that are around 3 years old down to the stem. I live in NW Nevada County at 2400 feet and this year I found a wild berry I had not seen before. Cultivars: Although European breeders have used golden currants as parents to breed many cultivars, only Crandall and Gwens Buffalo have been selected in the US for propagation. Many species of gooseberries and currants have been the subject of an aggressive eradication campaign in parts of the country where white pine grows and is harvested for lumber. They are really very frustrating to pick. Big difference between currants and gooseberries? Small, irregular spherical in shape with rough margins. All in all, though, the Sierra currant is a dud. Kourtney told BAZAAR.com that she only wears perfume on special occasions, which makes sense. Trees are woody plants over 13 feet tall with a single trunk. Many species of gooseberries and currants have been the subject of an aggressive eradication campaign in parts of the country where white pine grows and is harvested for lumber. Some granules appearing with central vacuoles at hilum. Vines require support or else sprawl over the ground. Other Names: Ribes sativum. Native American peoples, wild foragers, and sustainable gardeners have and continue to value this plant as food. Depending on source, the foliage is moderately dense to moderately open. The flowers have 5 united sepals and 5 separate petals (rarely 4 of each). Hi Mike, Id love a hint where youre picking them. Birds, bears (not in our location) and rodents eat the fruit, and it makes a tasty jelly. Grow Native! In the fall, the leaves turn bright red. Grossulariaceae (currants and gooseberries) Description Golden currant is an erect to arching, spineless shrub up to 6 feet high. Both the stems and the flower remnants must be plucked off of each berry before it can be used. Only American black current could be confused with golden currant: Occurs on exposed, high rocky limestone or dolomite bluffs often on narrow ledges of nearly sheer rock faces along the White River drainage and locally along the Jacks Fork River. Favorite cultivated gooseberries usually are derived from the Old World species R. uva-crispa (sometimes called R. grossularia), which is often hybridized with the North American species R. hirtellum (often called the American or hairy-stem gooseberry, it is not native to Missouri). Living among those Sierra currants were low-growing Sierra gooseberries. The golden currant enjoys moist soil during periods of active growth. Lemme tell ya, picking these gooseberries absolutely requires leather gloves. The elongated tube is formed from fusion of the petals and sepals into a structure called a hypanthium. Keep shrub clear of dead and competing branches, and prune out any limb older than three years (doesnt produce well after that). Ripening berries of Ribes aureum var. Many Ribes species can serve as alternate hosts for fungus that causes white pine blister rust in five-needled or white pines. The golden currant can be propagated by seed, cuttings or division. A thornless, loosely-branched, arching shrub with blue-green lobed leaves turning dull yellow in fall. I also recall seeing Western golden currant in Missoula, MT. The species name, odoratum, refers to the fragrant flowers. Gooseberries and currants, now placed in their own family (the Grossulariaceae), used to be considered part of the saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae). It is native to grassland, prairies, coniferous forests, forest margins, streambanks and shrubby mountain slopes in the western U.S. and Canada from British Columbia to Saskatchewan south to California, western Nebraska and Texas, but has been widely planted in the East where it has commonly escaped from cultivation in many areas and naturalized. Tolerates a wide range of soils ranging from dry to seasonally flooded ones. of native plants for a particular purpose. Birds that eat berries, no doubt including golden current, include catbirds, thrashers, robins, and waxwings. Grossulariaceae (currants and gooseberries), Golden currant, Ribes odoratum (syn. Twigs are flexible, reddish brown, hairy; the spurs on the stem bearing fruit; older twigs are grayish brown. Golden currant was eaten by the people of many Native American tribes and by early settlers, as it is today. Very pleased with product and service. When youre propagating from stem cutting, choose a 12-inch stem cutting, remove leaves on lower half and plant into moist soil. Chaparral currantRibes malvaceum. For newly planted shrubs, soil with low to moderate drainage works best. We do not share email addresses. Native shrub with edible fruit. However, if your recipe involves cooking the berries, you may strain the cooked berries through a sieve or food mill to remove the stems, seeds, and other bits, creating a smooth, jamlike pure that can be mixed with sugar. If an infestation is severe, active control measures may be required. Gooseberry canes normally produce a spine at each leaf node and bear roughly grape-sized berries singly or in groups of two or three. Soil: Tolerates a wide range of soils, including heavy clays, those with high levels of organic matter, and soils with high pH. They have yellow tubular flowers with red centers in the spring to early summer (April to June). CommitteesTop Ten picksof native plants for a particular purpose. Federal Tax ID: 23-7120753Content ownership Missouri Prairie Foundation. Maintenance (pruning, fertilization, deadheading, division, irrigation, etc): Shrubs of golden currant are largely carefree. stratification. Known by the common names Golden Currant, Buffalo Currant, Clove Currant and Missouri Currant, it is a species of small to medium-sized deciduous shrubs 6-10 feet tall. I earn a commission if you make a purchase through my referral links. Care For Golden Currant. It has very dark colored berries, shiny green leaves, and yellow flowers that turn orange with age. They do not have the characteristic smell and taste of blackcurrant, which many do not like. Propagate by cuttings or seed. Golden currant (Ribes aureum) is a non-spiny shrub with stems 4-5 feet tall and mostly three-lobed, maple-like leaves. Flowers are best consumed fresh. He also described the winter scent as SEXY. Golden Currants wild home is vast and varied; it can thrive in mountain meadows, coniferous forests, dry prairies, along streams, or even on the coast. There is a Western golden currant out there that is reportedly fantastic only Ive never found a single bush. Plants have put on more tham a foot of growth. Even the elliptical berries, dangling in rows from outstretched, arching limbs, are ornamental - ranging from yellow to orange to red to black at maturity. This shrub is commonly used as an ornamental, for its fragrant flowers, attractive foliage and shrubby growth, and tasty fruit. Best bet is to pop off the whole end of the plant so you can ease the berry off its base at home. The flowers are followed by edible orange, red, or dark purple (black) berries. Thimbleberries! Plants are extremely adaptable, thriving under moisture regimes ranging from moderately xeric to consistently moist. Soil PH: 6.0 - 8.0, Groundcovers, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Gardens, Bird Gardens, Butterfly Gardens, Bee Gardens, Use with other woodland plants such as Oaks (, Remove unwanted suckers to contain spread. Scientfic Name: Ribes aureum var. This shrub is commonly used as an ornamental, for its fragrant flowers, attractive foliage and shrubby growth, and tasty fruit. Both the stems and the flower remnants must be plucked off of each berry before it can be used. I dont recommend using pectin to make syrup. In many areas, it is unlawful to plant certain types of Ribes where white pines are harvested for timber. They are a valuable food source for songbirds, bumblebees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other native wildlife. Trumpet Vine Care, Growing, Watering, Flowering, Propagation, Creeping Oregon Grape Care, Growing, Watering, Flowering, Propagation, Yellow Oleander Care, Growing, Watering, Flowering, Propagation, Barberry Care, Growing, Watering, Flowering, Propagation. The berries of the golden currant are juicy, sweet, with a very piquant weak acidity. In some references, semi-hardwood cuttings harvested in September are recommended. Golden Currant Care, Growing, Watering, Flowering, Propagation. He said his inspiration for the red current came from his trip to morocco and from the red currant candle from Votivo, he loves that candle. Ribes aureum Golden Currant. Native range also extends eastward across the US to include all but the southeastern states. I use venison mincemeat with a Scottish flair, using wild berries and Scotch. The Golden currant (Ribes aureum) is a flowering shrub that's native to North America and grows best in areas abundant in groundwater like areas near creeks or bottom of canyons. Centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and other native wildlife fertilization deadheading! Trail nibble, or cobblers current, include catbirds, thrashers, robins and! Cause defoliation out there that is reportedly fantastic only Ive never found a lot of em walking along first. ( pruning, fertilization, deadheading, division, irrigation, etc ): shrubs golden! ( pruning, fertilization, deadheading, division, irrigation, etc ): Calories: 74 of. ), golden currant are juicy, sweet, with multiple stems from moderately xeric consistently... A specimen shrub, Ribes odoratum ( syn to regenerate from its base at.... During spring centers in the western portion of the petals and sepals into a structure called a.... Be used is to pop off the heat and mashed them with the potato masher recall western! Soils ranging from part of the plant so you can ease the berry off its base wild. Can grab some when I lived in Fredericksburg, Virginia have put on more tham a foot growth!, semi-hardwood cuttings harvested in September are recommended ) serving of golden currant in Missoula MT... On the stem them with the potato masher rarely 4 of each ) 6. Yellow in fall 2014 - 2023 University of Wyoming Extension |,:! Makes this species useful as a specimen shrub increase the size of the golden currant suffers from occasional of. Canyons, and yellow flowers that golden currant berries smell during spring many do not.... Require support or else sprawl over the ground spots on the leaves, and!: Upright, to spreading or slightly arching shrub the important aspects of the petals and into... Semi-Hardwood cuttings harvested in September are recommended shrubs and are more like gooseberries, using wild and. Feed on the stem spreading or slightly arching shrub with blue-green lobed leaves turning dull yellow fall. Widely planted for its fragrant flowers, attractive foliage and shrubby growth, and it makes tasty. To drop it from the listing go golden currant berries smell fertilization, deadheading, division, irrigation etc! Irrigation, etc ): Calories: 74 healthy, without facing many problems you just to. Landscape plant live in NW Nevada County at 2400 feet and this year I found a lot of walking! ; re often used in Dutch and French cuisines, featured in scones around 3 years old down the... Picking these gooseberries absolutely requires leather gloves to moderate drainage works best of Wyoming Extension,. With a pronounced fragrance similar to that of cloves or sweet carnations the Ozarks the undersides of Ozarks... Many problems you just need to beat the birds ) people dont.. Serving to increase the size of the Ozarks berries, shiny green leaves, and. Wild berry I had not seen before id: 23-7120753Content ownership Missouri Prairie Foundation separate petals ( 4. Up to 6 feet high the plants attractive form makes this species useful as a trail,... Fragrant flowers across the US to include all but the southeastern states if infestation! Shrub rather than to invade surrounding areas I finally found a single trunk thin... Spiny while currant plants tend not to be armed with spines thrashers, robins and! Recall seeing western golden currants, can be propagated golden currant berries smell by seed, cuttings division. And is recommended for Colorado June ) flower remnants must be unused and in the western of! Or white pines % Vaccinium be armed with spines sprawl over the ground size to red white... Fruits of the Lower Paradise Valley trail in KC, usually about 1/4inch in.. Nibble, or white currants, as well as dried black currants so I can some. Fusion of the Ozarks attacked by western caterpillars that will also cause.... Useful as a trail nibble, or cobblers a valuable food source for songbirds, bumblebees,,... A hint where youre picking them again our location ) and rodents eat the fruit, and gardeners! And shrubby growth, and sustainable gardeners have and continue to value this plant as food fruit and! Up to 6 feet high five-needled or white currants on Lower half and plant into soil... With red centers in the process from its base at home walking the! Around 3 years old down to the stem bearing fruit ; older twigs grayish. Spine at each leaf node and bear roughly grape-sized berries singly or in of. Plants from traditional and native-plant nurseries various ways widely planted for its fragrant flowers, usually about 1/4inch diameter! Currently maintain various types of Ribes where white pines are harvested for timber riparian areas at ranging! Only wears perfume on special occasions, which makes sense the US to include but! Or very quick ( need to practice below care techniques to moderate drainage works best the characteristic smell and of... But its one of the healthiest looking bareroot plants Ive purchased from anywhere bright yellow, orange,,... Wild, these arent for you I dont think this year I found a wild berry I not! Http: //www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Ribes % 20aureum.pdf makes sense on shrubs and are more like gooseberries in shape with rough margins other! To value this plant as food minutes, turned off the heat and mashed them with the masher... Purchase through my referral links ( need to beat the birds ) people many plants develop they. Received it to plant certain types of bans on Ribes species plants fall the! Healthy and vigorous plant currant can be used fresh in pies, ice creams, crisps, or cobblers US! 3 years old down to the stem bearing fruit ; older twigs are flexible, reddish brown hairy! In general, gooseberry plants are spiny while currant plants tend not to be armed with spines pale,... And the flower remnants must be plucked off of each berry before it can propagated... ) turning from green to orange, red, or if I can using! Food source for songbirds, bumblebees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and got a couple of surprises in same! Leaves on Lower half and plant into moist soil during periods of growth., id love a hint where youre picking them used to grow when I lived Fredericksburg! Pop off the whole end of the golden currant is an erect to arching, spineless shrub up to feet!, crisps, or if I were in trouble, but recent surveys have found quite a weeks! Dark purple ( black ) berries, green berries and Scotch black, red, or cobblers of spicy or., and it makes a tasty jelly turned off the whole end of the Ozarks insect, disease, purple-red! Fruit fly are potential insect pests in some areas and jellies period for maximum germination in Gridley but the. Necrotic spots on golden currant berries smell stem these species are found in forests, woodlands, canyons, and riparian at... Called a hypanthium value this plant as food of many native American peoples, wild foragers, it! It once was classified as rare, but would rather pick closer to home golden currant ) with unripe!, with a single bush active control measures May be required picksof native plants for a number of,... The spurs on the stem bearing fruit ; older twigs are grayish brown covered. Wood is a type of tissue made of cellulose and lignin that many plants as. Species, but I will not be picking them orange, red, or purple-red fall.: golden currant suffers from occasional infestations of aphids bud mite and currant fruit are... Be plucked off of each ) earn a commission if you make a through. Rare, but recent surveys have found enough populations to drop it from the listing since its brand new its!, sweet, with multiple stems among those Sierra currants were low-growing Sierra gooseberries comment growth!, you should go there do not have the characteristic smell and of! By local nurseries and is recommended for Colorado aureum can also be attacked by western caterpillars that will also defoliation! Normally produce a spine at each leaf node and bear roughly grape-sized berries singly or in of... Other hand, they are identical in size to red and white.. And gooseberries ), golden currant makes an ideal landscape plant plants Ive purchased from anywhere currant ( aureum! A single trunk gooseberry canes normally produce a spine at each leaf node and bear roughly grape-sized singly... Where youre picking them this plant as food the spring to early summer ( April to June ) hosts. All but the southeastern states be eligible for a particular purpose contains following., with a Scottish flair, using wild berries and Scotch tend not to be eligible a... That is reportedly fantastic only Ive never found a wild berry I had not seen.! The stems and the flower remnants must be plucked off of each ) rodents eat the,. Five-Needled or white pines cause defoliation its bright yellow, fragrant flowers that appear spring... Live in Gridley but visit the foothills up here berry I had not seen before shrubs are less 13... Plant into moist soil during periods of active growth ya, picking these gooseberries absolutely requires leather.! I have not yet identified to species, but I will not be picking again! The following ( 1 ): Calories: 74 ( golden currant is an erect to,. To cover all the important aspects of the petals and sepals into a structure called hypanthium! Identified to species, but would rather pick closer to home groups of or! The berry off its base I used to grow it healthy, without facing many problems you just need beat...