Wax currant
Ribes cereum

Family: Grossulariaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 0.9-1.8 m high and spreads 0.9 m wide. It has smooth stems. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are rounded or kidney shaped. They have 3-5 lobes. They are downy and have shallow teeth along the edge. The flowers are white or pale green and hang down. The fruit are shiny and red.

There are about 150 Ribes species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows on subalpine slopes and clearings in the Rocky Mountains. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Canada, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh or dried. They are used in jellies, jams, sauces and pies. They are dry and have little taste. Young leaves are sometimes eaten. The flowers can be eaten.

It is popular.

Edible parts

Flowers, fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Acapui, Atsapui, Whisky Currant, White Squaw Currant

Synonyms

Cerophyllum douglasii Spach; Cerophyllum inebrians Spach;