Californian black currant, Stink currant
Ribes bracteosum
Family: Grossulariaceae
What it is like
An erect, scraggly shrub. It grow 2-3 m tall. The bark is grey and dotted with yellow glands. The leaves are large. They have 5-7 lobes. There are teeth around the edge. The plant has a musky odour. The flowers are small and white to green. They are in long erect clusters. The berries are round and blue. They have a waxy coat. The fruit are edible but the taste varies.
There are about 150 Ribes species.
Where it is found
It is a warm temperate to Mediterranean climate plant. It grows along shaded stream banks.
Countries/locations it is found in
Alaska, Canada, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten raw. They are also boiled with salmon roe, dried and stored for later use. The fruit can be eaten with milk and sugar or made into jams.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Greyberry, Skunk currant