American red currant, Drooping currant, Smooth currant
Ribes triste
Family: Grossulariaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It does not have thorns. It grows 1.5 m tall. The leaves turn bright red then yellow before falling off in autumn. The flowers are reddish or dull purple. They are small and 6-15 occur in drooping clusters. The flower stalks have joints. The fruit are bright red and sour.
There are about 150 Ribes species. They have health benefits.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in moist conifer forest and near swamps and stream banks. In northern China it grows between 1,000-1,500 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zone 3.
Countries/locations it is found in
Alaska, Arctic, Asia, Canada, China, Japan, Korea, North America, Russia, USA
How it is used for food
The fruit are sometimes eaten raw. They are also used in pies, cakes, and preserves. The fruit can be boiled and made into syrup.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
It can be grown from branches.
Its other names
Local names
Mercuulugpiit, Swamp red currant