How to identify Red flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum)

How to identify Red flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum)

Red flowering currant, also known as Flowering currant, Winter currant

Red flowering currant is distinguished by its upright, arching form, reaching 5 to 12 feet (1.5 to 3.6 meters) in both height and width. This deciduous shrub exhibits multi-stemmed growth with young stems sporting a green pubescence and aging bark that transitions from orange-red to a peeling brown. The leaves are a notable matte green, with 3 to 5 lobes and irregularly serrated edges. Prior to leaf emergence, red flowering currant features striking pendulous racemes of white, pink, or deep red flowers. Following flowering, it produces glaucous berries with a purple or bluish-black hue.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Red flowering currant

Matte green leaves with 3-5 lobes and irregularly serrated edges.

Pendulous racemes of white, pink, or deep red flowers in spring.

Purple or blue-black berries with a noticeable white glaucous coating.

Upright stem covered in fine pubescence, aging from dark green to grayish brown.

Bark transitions from orange-red to grayish-brown, peeling with maturity.

Detailed Traits of Red flowering currant

Leaf Features

The leaves of red flowering currant are simple and alternate, measuring 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm) both in length and width. They are dark matte green with pubescence on the upper side and white tomentose underneath. The margins are irregularly serrate or crenate, and the leaves emit a fragrant, resinous scent when crushed. Deep veins create a distinctive wrinkly appearance.

Leaf Shape

Cordate ,

Circular ,

Reniform

Leaf Base

Cordate

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of red flowering currant bloom in early spring, featuring 1- to 3-inch-long (2.5 to 7.5 cm) clusters of tiny star-shaped tubular flowers. Each cluster contains 10 to 30 flowers, showing vibrant hues of red, pink, or white. The delicate star-like petals are arranged around a central tubular structure, creating a striking visual appeal. These flowers not only embellish the stems with their dense clusters but also emit a subtle, pleasing fragrance, adding to their allure.

Inflorescence Type

Raceme

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of red flowering currant is upright and finely pubescent, meaning it is covered with fine, soft hairs. The young stems exhibit a dark green color, which fades as they age. They have a moderate thickness, generally around 0.1 to 0.3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 mm) in diameter and display a consistent branching pattern. The older twigs retain their dark green hue, providing a distinguishing characteristic for identification. The stem's texture and color variations are key features for recognizing red flowering currant.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of red flowering currant presents as round berries, each typically measuring about 7 to 9 mm (approximately 0.28 to 0.35 inches) in diameter. These berries boast a distinctive purple or blue-black hue accompanied by a noticeable white bloom, also known as a glaucous coating, that contributes to their textured appearance. Though technically edible, these fruits are characterized by a notably sour taste that may not appeal to all palates.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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