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American black currant
Scientific Name: Ribes americanum
Family: Grossulariaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: MD (wild black currant)
American Black Currant (Ribes americanum)
The American Black Currant, also known as Wild Black Currant or Eastern Black Currant, is a native shrub prized in Europe for its strong flavor.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant is a woody shrub.
- It produces edible black berries.
- Multiple stems that do not have prickles
- Maple-like leaves with toothed edges.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Ribes americanum
- Common Names: American Black Currant, Wild Black Currant, Eastern Black Currant
- Family: Grossulariaceae (Currant family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Subclass: Rosidae
- Order: Rosales
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to most of North America.
- Found in rich thickets.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Deciduous shrub.
- Grows to 6 feet tall with multiple stems.
- Erect, ascending to slightly arching growth habit.
- Little-branched woody stems about 3-5' tall.
- The base of older stems is reddish
- Features showy yellow flowers in early spring.
- Produces edible black berries in mid-summer.
- Leaves are maple-like with toothed edges.
Ecological Role
- It is mentioned that certain blights and rusts can be spread from foreign Black Currant varieties.
Quirky Facts
- The blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) is the most common flavor descriptor of the most popular grape variety in the world: Cabernet Sauvignon, according to the British.
Further Information
- USDA NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service)
- Flora of North America (FNA)
- US Forest Service
- Encyclopedia of Life
- Mylnefield Research Station in Scotland