Golden currant - Ribes aureum (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Golden currant

Also known as: Clove currant, Pruterberry

The golden currant is a flowering plant native to Canada and is mainly planted as a decorative plant. Although the berries are bitter, they are edible and are used to make jams, jellies, and juices. Some Native American tribes employ plant parts for medicinal purposes as well. The ripe fruits of this shrub attract birds and other creatures.

Scientific classification

Species

Golden currant (Ribes aureum)

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

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Spring

Bloom Time

Late spring, Summer, Early fall

Harvest Time

2 m to 3 m

Plant Height

1.8 m to 2.5 m

Spread

Green, Red

Leaf Color

2 mm to 4 mm

Flower Size

Black, Purple, Green, Yellow, Orange

Fruit Color

Yellow

Flower Color

Green, Red

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Images of Golden currant

Attributes of Golden currant

Growth Rate

Exemplifying moderate growth, golden currant's development is noticeable during spring and summer, with new shoots, enlarged foliage, and increased height. Intriguingly, spring brings an added abundance of brightly colored, scented flowers, signifying its active growth. Seasonal temperature influences this pace, rendering an adaptive growth pattern.

Distribution of Golden currant

Distribution Map

The golden currant is native to the United States and Canada but has spread to areas such as Europe and the Middle East. It is not considered invasive. The golden currant occurs in prairies, woods, and bluffs within its natural habitat. It is often planted as a privacy screen along fencerows.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Streams, ravines, mountain slopes, rocky slopes, sandy bluffs

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Golden currant is a popular shrub prized for its lack of thorns and fragrant flowers. The shrub is commonly used as an ornamental garden plant. It is also valued for its fruits. Plant golden currant with border flowers like columbine or prairie coneflower for ground cover to add texture and color.

Symbolism

Thy frown will kill me

Name Story

Golden currant: According to Colorado botanist William Weber, the term currant comes from Zante Currant or the raisins of Corinth for the similar appearance of the fruit to grapes that are grown on the Greek island of Corinth. Since it sprouts golden yellow flowers, it is called golden currant.

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Care Guide for Golden currant

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Golden currant is moderately drought-tolerant, thriving in drier conditions with a watering schedule of once every 1-2 weeks. Typically grown outdoors, it requires careful watering during the active growth season for optimal flowering potential.

Fertilize: Fertilize golden currant with balanced nutrients in spring for growth and high nitrogen pre-flowering to enhance yield. Apply quarterly, adjusting for growth stages. Incorporate fertilizer gently into soil to avoid root disturbance, promoting robust health, vibrant blooms, and abundant fruiting in golden currant.

Pruning: Golden currant thrives with early spring pruning, including removal of dead or damaged wood and thinning older stems for new growth. Cutting back up to one-third of the oldest branches promotes health and productivity. Prune before new growth to maintain blooming and plant vitality.

Propagation: Golden currant is a popular ornamental and fruit-bearing shrub that propagates well from hardwood cuttings. Cut healthy stems into 6-10 inch lengths, plant in a moist, well-drained substrate, and use rooting hormone for better root development. Maintain consistent moisture and protect from extreme temperatures during rooting.

Repotting: Repot golden currant in spring every 2-3 years, using a pot one size larger for root growth. Post-repotting, maintain moist soil and avoid direct sunlight for a week to minimize stress and support healthy development.

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Images of Golden currant

Attributes of Golden currant

Distribution of Golden currant

Culture

Care Guide for Golden currant

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