American Red Currant, Red currant
Ribes triste
Family: Grossulariaceae
What it is like
Ribes triste is a deciduous Shrub growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Bogs and cool wet woods.
N. Europe to Northern N. America - Newfoundland to Alaska, south to New Jersey, Michigan and Oregon.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
Alaska, Asia, Canada, China, Japan, Korea, North America, Russia, USA,
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Fruit - raw or cooked. A rather tart flavour, it is usually cooked in pies, preserves etc. The fruit can also be dried for later use. The fruit is similar to the garden red currant and contains rather a lot of seeds. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter.
Medicine
Rating: 1
A decoction of the stems, without the bark, has been used as a wash for sore eyes. A decoction of the root and stem has been used in the treatment of gravel. A compound decoction of the stems has been used as an emmenagogue.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Lithontripic: Removes stones from the kidney, bladder etc.
Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.
Other
Rating: 0
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
How it is grown
Easily grown in a moisture retentive but well-drained loamy soil of at least moderate quality. Plants are quite tolerant of shade though do not fruit so well in such a position. Hardy to about -20°c. This species is closely related to R. rubrum. Plants can harbour a stage of 'white pine blister rust', so they should not be grown in the vicinity of pine trees. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is multistemmed with multiple stems from the crown.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 months cold stratification at between 0 and 5°c and should be sown as early in the year as possible. Under normal storage conditions the seed can remain viable for 17 years or more. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter, planting them out in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10 - 15cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, preferably with a heel of the previous year's growth, November to February in a cold frame or sheltered bed outdoors.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist