Wild American Black Currant (Ribes americanum)

American black currant (Ribes americanum) seedlings grown from seed collected from wild stands in Manitoba. This native berry shrub is robust and tall, and its fruit is very tasty. It supports wildlife and pollinators and suits native plant gardens, pathway plantings, restoration, conservation, and understory fruit production.

The clusters of dark berries have a complex and excellent flavour similar to Crandall currant. They can ripen unevenly through late summer, sometimes showing green, yellow, and black fruit on the same raceme.

Plants thrive in partial shade and produce more fruit in full sun. They fruit on second-year wood, and renewal pruning helps maintain airflow and productive canes.

Cold Hardiness Zone: 3
Mature Size: 3-6 ft tall and wide