SafePlants

Alpine Currant (Ribes alpinum)

The Alpine Currant, scientifically known as Ribes alpinum, is a versatile and hardy shrub often used in landscaping. It's known for its adaptability and tolerance of various conditions.

Considerations for Pets

• Female varieties produce scarlet berries in summer.

Considerations for Children

• Female varieties produce scarlet berries in summer.

Common and Scientific Names

• Scientific Name: Ribes alpinum
• Common Names: Alpine Currant, Mountain Currant

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Grossulariaceae
• Kingdom: Not specified in text, but implied as plant.
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Symbol: RIAL2

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to central and northern Europe, from Finland and Norway southwards.
• Found in cliffs and rocky woods.

Ecological Role

• No explicit information about Alpine Currant's role as an invasive species is in the source text.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Deciduous shrub.
• Small to medium in size.
• Can be maintained in a neat shape.
• Some cultivars are dwarf, dense, and mound-forming, growing 2-3 feet tall. Other sources indicate heights of 3-6 feet and widths of 3-6 feet.
• Ovate to rounded, bright green leaves with 3-5 lobes.
• Green foliage throughout the season, turning yellow in fall.
• Flowers are not ornamentally significant.
• Female varieties produce scarlet berries in summer and red fruit ripens in fall.
• Dense, rounded habit with upright stems and spreading branches.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Susceptible to habitat anthracnose, leaf spot rusts, currant aphids, scale, and currant bud mite.
• May be affected by powdery mildew.

Uses in Landscaping

• Excellent choice for hedging due to its easily maintained shape.
• Suitable for low-maintenance group plantings.
• Can be used as a background plant.

Hardiness and Growing Conditions

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-7.
• Super-hardy and dependable.
• Tolerates various soil and light conditions.
• Prefers a neutral-acid soil.
• Grows in sun or shade.
• Tolerates quite a bit of shearing.

Quirky Facts

• Despite bearing berries, some descriptions state it has "basically no flowers, fruits, autumn color, or winter". Other sources say it has red berries in summer, and turns yellow in fall.

Resources and Further Information

• Dave's Garden is referenced as a community for sharing gardening tips.
• Gurney's Seed is referenced as a source of information for how to grow Alpine Currant.
• McKay Nursery Company mentioned as place to buy online.