 | Golden Currant, Buffalo Currant Ribes aureum var. aureum Grossulariaceae Golden currant occurs in the moist canyons and shady gullies near streams and on rocky or sandy hills at elevations of 3000 to 8000 feet in the southern part of the Trans-Pecos north into New Mexico, Arizona, California, Montana, Washington and Canada. This small to medium unarmed shrub has upright branches bearing light green shiny 3-lobed leaves resembling miniature maple leaves. The very showy, occasionally fragrant tubular yellow spring flowers produce red, yellow, black or brown berries which contrast nicely with its handsome foliage. Golden currant is useful for erosion control and wildlife food and cover, or as a texture contrast in a shady garden. The fruits were formerly used with buffalo meat to make pemmican. There are three varieties of Ribes aureum.
Plant Habit or Use: small shrub
Exposure: partial sun Flower Color: yellow Blooming Period: spring Fruit Characteristics: red, yellow, black or brown berry Height: 3 to 8 feet Width: 3 feet, spreading Plant Character: deciduous Heat Tolerance: high Water Requirements: Soil Requirements: adaptable Additional Comments:
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