Golden Currant (Ribes aureum var. aureum) | Native Shrub with Edible Berries

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Golden Currant

Ribes aureum var. aureum

A cold-hardy, drought-tolerant shrub with fragrant yellow spring flowers and delicious edible summer berries.

$54.00

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Description

Ribes aureum var. aureum, commonly known as Golden Currant, is a robust, deciduous shrub prized for its fragrant yellow spring flowers, attractive lobed foliage, and delicious edible berries. Native to California and much of western North America, this tough, drought-tolerant shrub produces an abundance of small, tubular, bright yellow flowers in early to mid-spring that emit a spicy, clove-like fragrance and attract hummingbirds and butterflies . The flowers are followed in summer by small, juicy, flavorful berries that ripen from yellow to orange-red to black, prized for fresh eating, jams, jellies, and pies. The light green, lobed leaves turn attractive shades of yellow, orange, and red in autumn before falling. With its upright, arching habit and remarkable adaptability to a wide range of conditions, it is an outstanding choice for wildlife gardens, native plantings, informal hedges, and edible landscapes.

Quick Facts

oliage & Flowers: Light green, lobed leaves turning yellow, orange, or red in fall; small, tubular, fragrant, bright yellow flowers in drooping racemes in early to mid-spring .
Fruit: Small, juicy berries ripening from yellow to orange-red to black in summer; edible and flavorful .
Mature Height: 5-10 ft
Mature Spread: 5-10 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Hardiness Zones: USDA 2-7
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade (best flowering and fruiting in sun)
Core Benefits: Fragrant yellow spring flowers, delicious edible berries, attractive fall color, drought tolerant, cold hardy, attracts birds and pollinators.
Best Uses: Wildlife gardens, native plantings, edible landscapes, informal hedges, mixed borders, cottage gardens, xeriscape gardens.

Faqs

Q: How large does Golden Currant get?
A: It is an upright, arching shrub, typically reaching 5-10 feet in both height and spread at maturity. Size can vary depending on growing conditions.

Q: Does it produce edible fruit?
A: Yes, the summer berries are edible and considered some of the best-tasting of all currants. They are sweet and flavorful, excellent fresh, in jams, jellies, and pies.

Q: How much sun does it need for the best flowering and fruiting?
A: Plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) for the most abundant flowers and fruit. It will tolerate partial shade, but fruiting will be reduced.

Q: How much water does it need?
A: Once established, it is drought-tolerant. Water regularly during its first year. After that, it requires little to no supplemental water, though occasional deep watering during dry periods can improve fruit production.

Q: Does it attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the fragrant yellow flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. The berries are also a food source for birds.

Q: When should I prune it?
A: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Golden currant blooms on previous year's growth. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and thin out older stems to maintain vigor.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

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San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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