Chaparral Currant
Ribes malvaceum
Also listed as Ribes polystachyum, Ribes watkinsii
Climate Match for your location
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A drought-tolerant native shrub with small, bland edible berries, better left for birds. Pink flowers open from fall into early spring.
Why grow it
Chaparral currant is a California native that needs no supplemental water once established, unlike many non-native currants. It also tolerates poor soils and supports native pollinators with its early bloom.
Watch out for
Plants need occasional water for the first two to three seasons while the root system establishes. Powdery mildew can affect young growth where air circulation is poor, and deer and rabbits may browse new foliage.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Grossulariaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California chaparral
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A drought-tolerant native shrub with small, bland edible berries, better left for birds. Pink flowers open from fall into early spring.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Chaparral Currant grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Chaparral currant is a California native that needs no supplemental water once established, unlike many non-native currants. It also tolerates poor soils and supports native pollinators with its early bloom.
Watch out for
Plants need occasional water for the first two to three seasons while the root system establishes. Powdery mildew can affect young growth where air circulation is poor, and deer and rabbits may browse new foliage.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Grossulariaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California chaparral
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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