Ribes sanguineum is a versatile and attractive shrub that offers ornamental and culinary value in the British Isles.
Its vibrant flowers, fragrant foliage, and edible parts make it a valuable addition to gardens and a source of seasonal delights in the kitchen.
The flowers offer a unique taste and can be used creatively, even though their berries lack the flavour of their cultivated relatives.
Scientific name
Ribes sanguineum
The genus name, Ribes, is derived from the Arabic word ribas, a name for a Syrian rhubarb.
The connection likely references either the acidic flavour of rhubarb or the similar panicles of the fruits.
The specific epithet, sanguineum, means “blood red” and refers to the colour of the flowers.
Family
Grossulariaceae (the Gooseberry family)
Botanical description
Ribes sanguineum is a medium-sized shrub, typically reaching between 1.5 and 3.6 meters in height and spread.
It has an upright arching habit with multiple stems arising from the base.
The bark is initially thin and orange-red, becoming grey-brown and peeling with age. Young stems are pubescent (covered in fine hairs).
The leaves are deciduous, simple, and alternately arranged on the stems. They are typically 2–7 centimetres long and broad, palmately lobed with 3 to 5 lobes and irregularly serrated margins.
The leaves are a matte green and emit a strong, resinous fragrance when crushed. In autumn, the leaves turn shades of yellow and red before falling.
The flowers are the most striking feature of Ribes sanguineum, appearing in early spring, often before the leaves have fully emerged.
The flowers are arranged in pendulous racemes (hanging clusters) 3–7 centimetres long, with each raceme bearing 5–30 individual flowers. Each flower is small, 5–10 millimetres in diameter, with five petals that can be red, pink, or white. The flowers have a spicy fragrance.
Following the flowers, dark purple, oval berries develop, each about 1 centimetre long. The berries have a glaucous (waxy) coating and contain numerous seeds.
Photo identification
Ribes sanguineum is readily identifiable, particularly when in bloom. Imagine a medium-sized shrub with a rounded, somewhat sprawling form adorned with cascades of delicate, bell-shaped flowers in vibrant pink, red, or white hues. These blossoms hang in clusters from the branches, creating a spectacle of colour against the backdrop of emerging, maple-like leaves.
The leaves are another key identifier, with their distinctive lobed shape and aromatic scent released when gently crushed. As the season progresses, the flowers give way to dark purple berries with a characteristic waxy bloom, adding another layer of visual interest.
Status
In the British Isles, Ribes sanguineum is considered a neophyte, meaning it is a non-native plant that has become naturalized.
Scottish botanist David Douglas introduced it to Britain in the fall of 1826, who sent seeds back during his explorations for the Royal Horticultural Society in the Pacific Northwest.
The Horticultural Society considered this new, red-flowering acquisition to be sufficient justification for his three-year expedition’s cost, some £400.
It and its varieties and cultivars became immediately popular among English gardeners. It has since become widespread.
Habitat and distribution
Ribes sanguineum is native to western North America and is found in various habitats, including open woods, forest gaps, dry, rocky slopes, and disturbed sites.
It is a pioneer species, readily establishing itself in recently disturbed areas due to the long dormancy period of its seeds.
In the British Isles, it prefers well-drained soil and tolerates a range of pH from acidic to neutral. It has naturalized in various environments, including woodlands, hedgerows, roadsides, and waste ground.
It readily self-sows and can even form thickets in suitable locations. It is particularly common in gardens and parks, often planted for its ornamental value.
Entomology
Ribes sanguineum is an essential nectar source for pollinators, including queen bumblebees and the hairy-footed flower bee (Anthophora plumipes).
It is a critical source of early-spring nectar, providing sustenance for queen bumblebees emerging from hibernation when other food sources may be scarce.
The flowers are also attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. The leaves provide food for the larvae of various moths and butterflies.
While generally pest-resistant, Ribes sanguineum can be susceptible to various insects and diseases.
Potential insect pests include aphids, scale insects, gall mites, gall midge, currant fruit fly (Euphranta canadensis), imported currantworm (Nematus ribesii), and currant stem girdler (Janus integer).
The plant can also be affected by currant leaf spots, powdery mildews, coral spots, rust diseases, and sometimes honey fungus.
In the United States, female plants are an alternative host for white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola).
Lookalikes
Several plants in the British Isles might be confused with Ribes sanguineum, particularly other members of the Ribes genus. These include:
- Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum): This species has similar leaves but lacks the characteristic lobes of R. sanguineum and has a strong blackcurrant scent. The flowers are greenish-yellow rather than pink or red.
- Redcurrant (Ribes rubrum): Also possessing similar leaves, redcurrant can be distinguished by its smaller, greenish flowers and red berries.
- Gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa): Easily differentiated by its thorny stems and solitary flowers, unlike the clustered blooms of R. sanguineum.
Other Ribes species, such as Ribes laurifolium (with evergreen foliage and greenish-white flowers), Ribes speciosum (with fuchsia-like red flowers), and Ribes odoratum (with yellow, clove-scented flowers), have different flower colours and forms.
Young maple saplings may also resemble Ribes sanguineum in their leaf shape but lack berries and petalled flowers.
Parts used for food
Both the flowers and berries of Ribes sanguineum are edible. The flowers have a sweet, resinous flavour with hints of fruit and herbs. The berries, while edible, are not particularly palatable, having a tart, sometimes peppery taste. They are more suited for wildlife consumption.
Harvest time
Flowers: Early spring, as soon as they open.
Berries: Early to mid-summer, when they are fully ripe and dark purple.
Food uses
Historically, Native Americans ate fresh or dried berries and sometimes used them to make fruit leather. Today, both the flowers and berries can be used in a variety of culinary applications.
Nutritional profile
Limited information is available on the specific nutritional content of Ribes sanguineum. However, like other Ribes species, it likely contains vitamins (especially vitamin C), minerals, and antioxidants.
Recipe links
- Early spring salad of flowering currant, pea shoots and fresh herbs
- Flowering currant and wild thyme infused honey
- Flowering currant blossom syrup
Herbal medicine uses
While Ribes sanguineum has been investigated for potential antibacterial and antiviral properties, it is not widely used in herbal medicine. Some sources suggest that flower essence may have uplifting and emotionally supportive qualities.
Safety note
While generally safe, consuming unripe or large quantities of ripe berries may cause nausea and vomiting. As with any wild plant, ensuring correct identification before consumption is essential.