Alpine currant (Ribes alpinum)

Alpine currant

Features and Characteristics

Ribes alpinum, commonly called alpine currant, is a compact, mound-forming shrub which grows 3-6′ tall. Bright green leaves are 3-5 lobed, turning to a dull yellow in fall. Flowers are greenish-yellow and inconspicuous. Dioecious (separate male and female plants). Fruit on female plants is an inedible, scarlet berry. However, most plants of this species which are sold commercially are male clones (males are reportedly immune to rust diseases). Stems are chestnut brown and may exfoliate (peel) as they mature.

The genus name Ribes is derived from the Arabic ribas, the name used for Rheum ribes (Syrian rhubarb), an unrelated, wild rhubarb species. European herbalists possibly connected the two due to the acidic flavor of the flowering stem of R. ribes, or the visually similar panicles of red fruits.

Specific epithet means of the alpine.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerates full shade. Prune at any time of year (flowers are insignificant) or simply allow plant to grow naturally. Tolerates some drought. Extremely winter hardy.

Alpine currant (Ribes alpinum) Requirements

Hardiness zone	2 - 7
Sun light	Full sun to part shade
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

In wet, humid conditions, anthracnose, powdery mildew and fungal leaf spot can be troublesome. Currant aphid, scale, currant bud mite and currant fruit fly are potential insect pests in some areas. Currants are an alternate host for white pine blister rust, a usually fatal disease for white pines. Ten states primarily in the eastern United States currently maintain various types of bans on Ribes species plants. Contact your local Extension Service to verify if these plants can be grown in your area. Missouri has no restrictions.

Uses

Excellent hedge. Can also be massed in the shrub border.

Alpine currant (Ribes alpinum) Details

Common name	Alpine currant
Botanical name	Ribes alpinum
Plant type	Deciduous shrub
Family	Grossulariaceae
Hardiness zone	2 - 7
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Greenish yellow
Flowering period	April
Height	3 - 6 ft.
Width	3 - 6 ft.