Wild American Black Currant (Ribes americanum)

American black currant seedlings grown from seed collected from wild stands in Manitoba.  Ribes americanum is a great native berry bush, the plants are robust and tall and the fruit is very tasty. Native plants support wildlife and pollinators, these are perfect to plant in a native plant garden, along pathways, for restoration and conservation, to add food and habitat for wildlife,  to create an understory of native fruit production.

The clusters of dark berries have a complex and excellent flavour similar to Crandall currant.  The can ripen unevenly through late summer so you can sometimes find green, yellow and black fruit on a raceme. Plants thrive in partial shade, they'll have more fruit production in full sun. The fruit on second year wood, renewal pruning maintains airflow and productive canes. 

Hardiness: Zone 3
Seed Source: Manitoba