Ribes Species, Black Currant, Squinancy

The federal ban on importing Ribes plants into the US may have been lifted, but fourteen (14!) states (mostly in the northeast and upper ...Read Moremidwest) still have varying restrictions on planting various Ribes.

This species is an alternate host to white pine blister rust, a serious problem for a major timber crop in the east. Some Ribes species and some Ribes cultivars of susceptible species are resistant to the disease.

Before planting this in the east and upper midwest, consult your state's Department of Natural Resources to find out whether planting this species is legal.

A scented, fruiting shrub from Europe, USA and Chile.

Has slightly hairy, 5 lobed, mid-dark green, scented (I find mildy u...Read Morenpleasant) leaves. Bears tiny, purplish green, sometimes double bell shaped flowers, spherical, black fruit follow. The Blackcurrant flower is the only known instance where a double flower can be turned into a single flower by turning the extra petals into stamens.

Flowers April-May

Is a native of woodland but will happily grow in full sun, prefers a well drained, fertile, humus rich soil.

Has sweet tasting fruit which are full of vitamin C as well as other vitamins and minerals.

They are diuretic and can help boost the immune system. They have been used to treat indigestion, diarrhoea, rheumatism, high blood pressure, sore throats, colds, flu and used in a poultice to treat wounds. All parts can be used in one way or another.

Apart from their medicinal properties they taste great fresh, in a jam, jelly or curd and in various drinks and sauces.

Birds love them so you may have to compete.

This bush is incredibly easy to propagate. If any part of the woody stem is broken all you need to do it cut it off and push into soil, it will root in just a few weeks.