Ribes bracteosum

Common Names

Stink Currant, Californian Black Currant, California Black Currant, Blue Currant, Stinking Black Currant

Summary

Ribes bracteosum, commonly called stink currant, is a deciduous thornless shrub native to western North America from Alaska to northwest California, typically growing in moist woods and along streambanks. It features large maple-like leaves with 5–7 lobes and emits a sweet-skunky odor when crushed; in late spring it carries long, erect racemes up to 30 cm long with 20–40 small white flowers, followed by blue-black berries with a whitish bloom.

Sources describe cultivation in moist to wet soils with sun to shade tolerance, and note hardness to roughly -20°C with adaptability to moisture-retentive loamy soils; propagation is by seed (cold stratification required) or cuttings, and pruning is not required. Edible berries are suitable for fresh use or preserves, and the plant provides erosion control along water edges while supporting wildlife and pollinators, making it a useful addition to native plant gardens, streamsides, and woodland settings.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-14 feet

Spread

8-13 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade. Tolerates full sun, partial sun, partial shade, and full shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil (moisture-retentive loam is ideal)

Soil pH

5.5-6.5, Acidic soil

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring to early Summer

Foliage Color

Green with green-yellow foliage in autumn; some foliage turns yellow or golden in autumn.

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate growth, 12–24 inches per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, Attracts hummingbirds, Attracts butterflies, Attracts other pollinators, Attracts birds