Ribes aureum

Common Names

Golden Currant, Buffalo Currant, Clove Currant

Summary

Golden Currant is a native deciduous shrub of western North America, typically 4–6 ft tall and wide, with spineless, multi‑stem growth and three‑lobed, apple‑green leaves; it features fragrant yellow tubular flowers in spring and edible berries that ripen green to red to yellow to purple‑black, commonly found along streams and damp slopes.

Hardy to USDA zones 3–8, it tolerates full sun to part shade and well‑drained soils, and is drought‑tolerant once established; it spreads by underground root suckers and may be pruned to keep spread in check; landscape uses include hedges or screens, wildlife gardens, and edible‑fruit plantings that attract pollinators and provide fruit for wildlife.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

4-6 ft

Spread

6-8 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; also suitable in partial sun or partial shade, with a range from full sun to shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

4.7-7.8, Slightly acidic to alkaline soils, Tolerates a broad pH range

Bloom Color

Yellow (may turn orange or red with age)

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Red

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Suckers

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators, birds