Each berry contains several small tan seeds. Suggested Plant Partners: Golden currant can be used to fill in around taller native trees and shrubs, such as Pinus flexilis, Picea pungens, Acer grandidentatum, Populus tremuloides, Quercus gambelii, or Crataegus douglasii. If you want to propagate from seed, harvest the seeds as soon as the fruits are ripe, use maceration or stripping to extract seeds. Many types of bees, flies, butterflies (notably the brown elfin), moths (notably hummingbird and clearwing moths), and wasps visit the flowers of Ribes species for nectar, pollen, or both. 2014 - 2023 University of Wyoming Extension |, http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Ribes%20aureum.pdf. These bushes arrives on time, happy and healthy, well packaged in biodegradable containers that I just popped in the ground. They can be used fresh in pies, ice creams, crisps, or cobblers. Hi Mike, Id love a hint where youre picking them. At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data. Scientfic Name: Ribes aureum var. In the Great Plains region to our west, where it is more abundant, the sweet, flavorful berries are a favorite wild edible. Gooseberries have quite a bit of acid to them, so they did not seem right for ice cream. Bark is reddish brown to gray, often splits, with the thin sheets curling along the trunk; the pores are prominent; the wood is white, soft. If you see birds feeding on these berries, youll know for sure they are ripe. A 30 second dip in bleach solution will reduce contamination. The berries are most often found near these springs. Also found in drier settings such as sagebrush scrub, woodlands (oak, juniper, pine), or at higher elevations in fir or pine forest, Annual Precipitation: 5.8" - 51.8", Summer Precipitation: 0.18" - 2.63", Coldest Month: 24.5" - 55.6", Hottest Month: 46.6" - 81.0", Humidity: 0.58" - 28.86", Elevation: 24" - 10095", Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University. The berries have lots of natural oectin so you dont need pectin unless you want an easier, faster way. Golden Currant has been widely cultivated for its ornamental landscape value. In my town of Yakima, WA there are so many Western golden currants along the yakima river it is crazy. My plant arrived quickly and in excellent condition. The species name, odoratum, refers to the fragrant flowers. The fact that people gladly do this labor attests to how much they enjoy the flavor of these berries. Who can help me so I can start using them if they are undeed good to eat. High up 6,500 feet or higher there are still lots of wildflowers in bloom, and the many permanent mountain springs create little oases of lushness in an otherwise dusty environment. Anyone ever seen one? Golden currant is an erect to arching, spineless shrub up to 6 feet high. The early stage caterpillars feed on the undersides of the leaves, so its harder to see them. Id like to see if I can grab some when I go up this week. Elsewhere, however, state laws may forbid the cultivation of gooseberries and currants. The fruit is eaten by several bird species and by squirrels and chipmunks. Both the stems and the flower remnants must be plucked off of each berry before it can be used. This fungus attacks and kills white pine, which is an important timber tree in eastern North America. The golden currant is widely planted for its bright yellow, fragrant flowers that appear during spring. Delicious! The flowers provide nectar to pollinators and delicious berries in midsummer to birds, rodents and bears even. Sharp, fruity and very sweet. Favorite cultivated gooseberries usually are derived from the Old World species R. uva-crispa (sometimes called R. grossularia), which is often hybridized with the North American species R. hirtellum (often called the American or hairy-stem gooseberry, it is not native to Missouri). Attractive ornamental hedge in the landscape. 2023 Hunter Angler Gardener Cook. Keep shrub clear of dead and competing branches, and prune out any limb older than three years (doesnt produce well after that). In the Great Plains region to our west, where it is more abundant, the sweet, flavorful berries are a favorite wild edible. Cultivated statewide for its edible fruits. On the other hand, they're more productive in full sun. At maturity, you can expect the golden currant to reach a size of 6-10 feet tall and 5-10 feet wide. The common name clove currant refers to the aromatic, clove-like smell of the flowers. I started this site back in 2007 to help you get the most out of all things wild: fish, game, edible wild plants and mushrooms. Native Habitat: Golden currant is a widespread species found in all western states. Sometimes cultivated as a native garden ornamental. For a number of reasons, golden currant makes an ideal landscape plant. Golden Currant is a winter-hardy, drought-tolerant, multi-stemmed shrub with clusters of fragrant, edible yellow flowers in Spring, followed by juicy sweet-tart berries in Summer. Black currant reflects a . During a pleasant early fall visit to the Willow Spring Open Space in mid-September 2021, plants were starting to show signs of fall, and the Prairie Dogs were active. The easiest way to tell a gooseberry shrub from a currant shrub is that the gooseberry shrubs have long thorns, referred to as spines, while the currants are not armed with thorns. The round berries are about 1/4 to 1/3 inch in diameter, and ripen from green/yellow to red and then black/dark purple. If you go to the Bald Mountain trailhead and walk 20 yards up the trail, you will find your first two in the center of the dry creek bed. Rate of Growth: Golden currant grows moderately fast, whether established as seedlings or cuttings. Josie: Sorta. The berries of the golden currant are juicy, sweet, with a very piquant weak acidity. The fruit is eaten by several bird species and by squirrels and chipmunks. Manzanita berries are also absolutely delicious. Learn about theNative Environment(s)inhabited by the plants in this database. The Golden currant (Ribes aureum) is a flowering shrub that's native to North America and grows best in areas abundant in groundwater like areas near creeks or bottom of canyons. So far they look happy in my landscape. Golden Currant is a winter-hardy, drought-tolerant, multi-stemmed shrub with clusters of fragrant, edible yellow flowers in Spring, followed by juicy sweet-tart berries in Summer. Along fence or wall. Golden currant can be propagated via cuttings. Bith jam & syrup are delicious. Also along roadsides and railroads. Carefully packaged, arrived looking healthy, arrived sooner than expected. Makes picking so much quicker and pain free. . Brining olives is the oldest way to cure olives, especially green ones. Starches from fruit and seeds are very infrequent. R. aureum), Missouri Currant; Flowering Currant; Buffalo Currant; Clove Currant; Wild Gooseberry, Golden_Currant_Ribes_odoratum_or_aureum.jpg, Wildflowers, Grasses and Other Nonwoody Plants. Nevadense. Golden Currant Care, Growing, Watering, Flowering, Propagation. I also recall seeing Western golden currant in Missoula, MT. There are also Service Berries and the very Blueberry-like Bilberry. Aureum comes from the Latin word for gold, aurum, referring to the color of the flowers. As with gooseberries, preparing wild currants takes some doing: When youre picking them, part of the stem usually pulls off with the berry; plus, a little dried point usually remains on the other end of the berry (its whats left of the flower). In the spring, they can also be spotted from a distance by the small golden flowers, which smell like cloves on warm days. It bears edible fruit. hendersonii. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. (Learn more & how to help on ourCharitable Giving page.). However, if your recipe involves cooking the berries, you may strain the cooked berries through a sieve or food mill to remove the stems, seeds, and other bits, creating a smooth, jamlike pure that can be mixed with sugar. Instructions on how to make elderberry liqueur from fresh elderberries; this recipe keeps the berries whole, which makes a clean liqueur. The flowers are followed by edible orange, red, or dark purple (black) berries. However, if your recipe involves cooking the berries, you may strain the cooked berries through a sieve or food mill to remove the stems, seeds, and other bits, creating a smooth, jamlike pure that can be mixed with sugar. Because of its low maintenance requirements, resistance to cold, and quick growth, this shrub is often used for hedge and hedgerow. I slammed on the brakes and pulled over. Plants were well packaged and were healthy. A quick way to identify them is that the leaves of this shrub are shaped like the palm of a hand (palmate), with 3 lobes. What about experience with other wild currants? Shade tolerance: Intermediate. Golden currant is not abundant in any place where it grows in Missouri. I wanted to collect the mysterious Sierra currant and Sierra gooseberry, two fruits Id never eaten before. The Ribes aureum does best in partial shade. A semi-sweet, moist fig and nut bread thats great for breakfast or a snack; its a hybrid fig bread and fig cake. Utah State University Press, Logan, UT. Professional Certification Program. Attracts: Birds, Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Tolerate: Rabbit, Drought, Erosion, Clay Soil. This Ribes aureum is known for producing delicious berries. Water a newly planted golden currant regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist. 2009. There, it will produce more vibrant, darker foliage, which is good news for an edible landscape. Both the stems and the flower remnants must be plucked off of each berry before it can be used. Volunteers from seed are rare. The colorful flowers of Ribes aureum have an unusual composition. Numerous animal species consume the fruits and nectar-loving birds such as orioles have been observed eating the flowers. Golden Currant is an erect shrub that grows from 3 to 6 ft tall. I want to pick and eat them but Im afraid, they are abundant and growing everywhere! In general, gooseberry plants are spiny while currant plants tend not to be armed with spines. Its one of the more addictive trail foods ever made by humankind. Hank, look for them in drainages in the Bald Mountain area above Oroville. The gooseberries and currants have regular, bisexual flowers, usually about 1/4inch in diameter. The currant arrived in great shape - very healthy! They can made easily into superb jams or jellies for the pantry. Mee, W., Barnes, J., Kjelgren, R., Sutton, R., Cerny, T. and Johnson, C. 2003. They can be dried on screens in light shade (protected from birds) to be later added to granolas, cereals, or trailmixes. Mailstop Code: 1103 The Golden Currant shrub can be seen growing in the wild and also can be grown in landscapes as an individual shrub or with several as a hedge. Also along roadsides and railroads. Very low maintenance. They have performed wonderfully even through the very hot months in south central Idaho. Lots of other currant species live in America, however, and I hope to find them soon. American black currant is a thornless, erect native shrub with showy yellow flowers in early spring followed by edible black berries in mid-summer. The Willow Spring Open Space in late June 2021 was a birders delight! Encyclopedia of Northwest Native Plants for Gardens and Landscapes. Birds that eat berries, no doubt including golden current, include catbirds, thrashers, robins, and waxwings. The beautiful flowers and spicy scent are guaranteed to be the focal point of your landscape. In areas where the disease is not prevalent (such as Missouri), it is still best to avoid planting currents in locations where white pines are growing unless rust-resistant cultivars are used. A native shrub with stunning rose-colored flower clusters that mature into purple-black berries. Your email address will not be published. Utah State University Press, Logan, UT. As a cold tolerant plant, the Ribes aureum is suitable to be grown in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8. Since the Golden currant can reach a height of 4 to 6 feet, you might want to place these shrubs around your space as a hedge. We facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources. Pruning can keep this shrub to any size you please. It is a short bush that grows in large mats almost exclusively in various drainages. Im a James Beard Award-winning author and chef. It is uncommon in the western part of the Ozarks. they can also be spotted from a distance by the small golden flowers, which smell like cloves on warm days. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. It is an excellent choice for moist, shady sites. Adams, Washington. Henderson's Gooseberry Ribes oxyacanthoides ssp. I can't wait to see it grow. Thank you! Id happily eat it as a trail nibble, or if I were in trouble, but I will not be picking them again. This species is native to the Chicago region according to Swink and Wilhelm's Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current . The berries even attract birds that feed on them. Many Berries on Golden Currant Twigs of Ribes aureum var. Golden currant can contribute successfully to either formal or naturalized landscapes. A cousin of the raspberry, it is more delicate, more deeply flavored, more perfect. My husband is from Western Montana and sorely misses his huckleberries. Walnuts add a nice crunch. Fruits are edible. Uncommon in the western portion of the Ozarks. The good news is it has a moderate growth speed. Western forms (var. Clay and silt soils are best. Plants have put on more tham a foot of growth. In gardens, it's kept mainly as an ornamental groundcover. Seed requires an 8 week stratification period for maximum germination. Birds that eat berries, no doubt including golden current, include catbirds, thrashers, robins, and waxwings. Many species of gooseberries and currants have been the subject of an aggressive eradication campaign in parts of the country where white pine grows and is harvested for lumber. The appearance of the blossoms in late March or early April is often one of the first signs of spring in many parts of the country. Hank, I love what youre doingfun and delicious. Woodland gardens. Plus I love the smell of currant bushes and the berries freeze very well for use right through winter. Found a lot of em walking along the first few miles of the Lower Paradise Valley trail in KC. villosum. The species name, odoratum, refers to the fragrant flowers. Seed can be obtained from native-plant seed suppliers. The bears love them. However, spread is very slow, serving to increase the size of the shrub rather than to invade surrounding areas. Ribes aureum. The five large, golden-yellow, petal-like lobes spreading at a right angle from the rim of the hypanthium are technically sepals, while the smaller, erect yellowish to red petals point straight up and alternate with the five stamens. Group in shrub borders or naturalize in open woodland areas. stratification. The Golden currant (Ribes aureum) is a flowering shrub thats native to North America and grows best in areas abundant in groundwater like areas near creeks or bottom of canyons. The berries are an excellent native food source by themselves and are also useful in recipes for their wonderful flavor sweetened into jams, jellies, pies, or even currant ice cream. Use in the Landscape: Plants of golden currant can fill many niches in the landscape. Avoid overhead watering. For a more precise determination of the shrubs watering need, you only need to monitor the soil. Golden Currant Ribes aureum. Flowers are best consumed fresh. Vines require support or else sprawl over the ground. Therefore, apart from being an ornamental bush, its also a bee- and butterfly-friendly addition to your garden. Birds that eat berries, no doubt including golden current, include catbirds, thrashers, robins, and waxwings. The genus Ribes contains nearly 150 species of low, woody shrubs found across the Northern Hemisphere and the Andes of South America. You will find yourself making it all the time. Grow in rich, medium or dry moisture, well-drained soil. If one doesnt catch them as soon as they are ripe, the berries will be gone within 2 days. 1980). Go to the Coastal Range and youll find them. Pruning is necessary to keep it under controlled height. Other Names: Ribes . This will be my very first picking wild food. Shrubs are less than 13 feet tall, with multiple stems. Propagation: Golden currant can be propagated either by seed or vegetative cuttings. Raspberrys beauty is mortal. I thought back to the manzanita berries Id been playing with recently: They were best briefly boiled, crushed with a potato masher and allowed to steep for a long time. Check out theGrow Native! Ecosystem connections The fruit is eaten by several bird species and by squirrels and chipmunks. Notable features of the species include: (a) three-lobed broad-ovate to rounded glossy light green leaves (1-2 long) which turn reddish-purple in fall; (b) drooping 5-15 flowered clusters (wand-like racemes) of monoecious, narrow-tubular, spicily-fragrant, yellow-maturing-to-orange flowers which bloom in April-May; (c) drooping clusters of glossy, black, edible, 1/3 fruits (currants) which ripen mid to late summer (July-August); (d) spineless twigs; (e) dark silver-gray bark. The wild animals will devour them. California Native Plant Society. I did the same with the gooseberries. Similar species: Not counting cultivated currants and gooseberries, Missouri has 4 species in genus Ribes (pronounced RYE-beez) that may be encountered in natural habitats. Salmon candy is a special kind of smoked salmon thats been cut into strips, dry cured with sugar and salt, painted with birch or maple syrup, then heavily smoked almost to the point of jerky. Your email address will not be published. Golden currant, Ribes odoratum (syn. Lemme tell ya, picking these gooseberries absolutely requires leather gloves. But how to deal with those spines. Berries, however, have a variety of options. My golden currant plant arrived in great condition with very secure packaging. If you hunt deer, you need to know this recipe. The average weight of fruits is about 1 g, that is, they are identical in size to red and white currants. Since Missouri is not in the range of white pine, other than as ornamental plantings, the blister rust has not been considered a threat here. 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