Prickly Blackcurrant, Prickly currant
Ribes lacustre

Family: Grossulariaceae

What it is like

Ribes lacustre is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from April to May. 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): 1.5

Where it is found

Cold damp woods. Swamps and wet woods.

N. America - Newfoundland to Alaska, south to Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Fruit - raw or cooked. Tart and very juicy. The fully ripe fruit has an agreeable flavour. When crushed the fruit has a foul odour but when eaten by the handful the odour is inoffensive (this sounds a bit strange!) and when cooked they make a good sauce. The fruit can also be dried for later use or used to make jams and preserves. The fruit is about 5mm in diameter and is covered with weak gland-tipped bristles.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The leaves or the bark can be chewed and then placed on sores caused by the prickles of this plant. A decoction of the bark has been used as a wash for sore eyes. The decoction has also been taken by women during labour to ease the birth. A decoction of the root can be taken several times a day as a treatment for constipation. A decoction of the twigs has been taken in the treatment of general body aches. A decoction of dried branches has been used in the treatment of stomach complaints, diarrhoea and colds.

Analgesic: Relieves pain.

Birthing aid: Used in facilitating birth, but not just to cause uterine contrctions.

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Other

Rating: 2

The roots have been boiled with cedar (Juniperus spp, Thuja sp.) and wild rose (Rosa spp) roots, then pounded and woven into rope. The sharp thorns have been used as probes for boils, for removing splinters and for tattooing.

Needles: Used for sewing, darning etc.

String: Plants that can be used for string or can be easily made into a string. See also Fibre. Plants for ropes may be included.

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. Although this plant has spines, it belongs to the blackcurrant section of the genus. 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.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 4 - 6 months cold stratification at about 0°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; Shady Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Skin contact with the spines can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

R. oxyacanthoides lacustris. Pers.