How to identify Evergreen currant (Ribes viburnifolium)

Photo By peganum , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

How to identify Evergreen currant (Ribes viburnifolium)

Evergreen currant, also known as Santa catalina island currant, Santa Catalina Island Gooseberry, Catalina Currant

Evergreen currant is an evergreen shrub typically reaching heights of 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) and spreading up to 6 feet (180 cm). Its thin, dark red stems hold ovate, aromatic dark green leaves, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, which are leathery to the touch. From late winter to mid-spring, it produces small, rose pink, star-shaped flowers in open clusters. The foliage arches up and out from the plant center, and its edible berries serve to attract birds. Its leaves are not favored by deer.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Evergreen currant

Dark red stems contrast with aromatic dark green ovate leaves.

Small rose pink star-shaped flowers in clusters from late winter.

Evergreen shrub with arching foliage and edible berries for birds.

Leaves are leathery to the touch and not appealing to deer.

Reaches up to 4 feet (120 cm) tall with a spread of 6 feet (180 cm).

Evergreen currant and Their Similar Plants

Red flowering currant vs. Evergreen currant: What's The Difference?

Red flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) is a deciduous shrub that grows rounded and bushy in full sun. It produces an abundance of small pinkish-red to pale-pink blooms from spring to summer that attract hummingbirds bees and butterflies. It also attracts a variety of wildlife which forage for the blue-black berries that appear in mid-summer.

Alpine currant vs. Evergreen currant: What's The Difference?

Native to northern and central Europe, alpine currant has both ornamental and culinary value. This shrub is often used as a shrub border or hedge, while its red berries can be eaten fresh or cooked. These berries are called red currants and are often used for jams, juices, sauces, etc.

Fuchsia-flowered gooseberry vs. Evergreen currant: What's The Difference?

Fuchsia-flowered gooseberry (Ribes speciosum) produces flowers that look eerily similar to fuchsias. However, looks can be deceiving because they're not related—not even distantly. California fuchsia is an alternative moniker for the species. If you love hummingbirds, you'll love this plant because it attracts them in droves.

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Key Facts About Evergreen currant

Attributes of Evergreen currant

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Flower Size

1.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Color

Pink

Red

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Evergreen currant

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

Family

Currant

Genus

Currants

Species

Evergreen currant (Ribes viburnifolium)

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Distribution Map of Evergreen currant

Evergreen currant, a plant species within the Ribes genus, is native to the Baja California peninsula, which spans across the major region of North America. Despite its localized native range, it has been successfully introduced to other temperate regions within this continent where gardeners appreciate its evergreen foliage and tolerance to drought.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Evergreen currant

A Comprehensive Guide to Evergreen currant How to Grow and Care for Evergreen currant