Native Plants
Golden currant
Ribes aureum
Golden currant brings fragrant yellow spring flowers and berries that can ripen yellow, orange, red, or purple-black. Its upright, multi-stemmed habit suits an informal edible hedge or generous border, with room for suckering growth. Smaller sizes are common, but favorable sites can produce a shrub 6 to 8 feet tall and wide. Sun to partial shade and well-drained soil suit it; water through establishment, then adjust to conditions as drought tolerance develops. Its western North American background does not establish local nativity everywhere in Southwest Washington. Verify provenance for restoration work and leave access for harvesting and renewal pruning.
Ask about this plant
At a glance
- Mature height
- Commonly 3–7 ft; sometimes 6–8 ft
- Mature spread
- Allow up to 6–8 ft plus suckering
- Light
- Sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- Cold hardy; confirm local suitability
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Use in an informal edible hedge, wildlife-oriented border, or mixed shrub planting. Allow access to the flowers and fruit, with space for the multi-stem shrub to expand.
Where to plant
Choose sun or partial shade and allow generous width for suckers. Although often smaller, plants can reach 6–8 feet high and wide, making confined formal beds difficult to manage.
Through the seasons
Fragrant yellow flowers appear in spring. Ripe berries can be yellow, orange, red, or purple-black, and the deciduous leaves may develop autumn color.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
This western North American species is not necessarily locally native throughout maritime Southwest Washington. For restoration or local-native planting, verify the stock's provenance and suitability for the specific site.
Soil, drainage & water
Water during establishment in well-drained soil. Once established, plants tolerate dry to moderately moist conditions; avoid chronic saturation and adjust irrigation to the moisture already in the ground.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Remove unwanted suckers and renew older stems as needed to manage the shrub's size. Keep access open around fruiting growth, and provide moderate irrigation once the plant is established.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Aphids
New leaves can curl, shoots may distort, and sticky honeydew or dark sooty growth can develop.
Help your plant thrive
Inspect tender growth for colonies. Use water to dislodge small populations where practical and preserve beneficial insects that feed on aphids.
Unwanted spread
New shoots can appear outside the intended planting area and reduce access around the shrub.
Help your plant thrive
Allow room at planting and remove unwanted suckers. Renew older stems when needed to keep the shrub accessible.
Good gardens start with a conversation
Let’s find the right plant
for your place.
Ask our team about plant selection and current availability.