Wild Red Currant 'Triste' (Ribes triste)

Wild red current is a low spreading bush native to northern North America. Often found in bogs, wet woods, and along streams.  The plants grow 1 to 3 feet tall, the wide leaves and compact shape make them easy to identify in a woodland.  The leaves are round to heart shaped with three to five lobes and finely toothed edges.

The berries are bright red, translucent and similar to cultivated red currants (Ribes rubrum) but more sour and usually eaten by birds and small mammals more than people.  As a native species it supports pollinators and wildlife and helps maintain the diversity of northern wetland and forest ecosystems. Planting it in naturalized or restoration sites benefits local food webs and provides cover for birds and small animals.

Hardiness: Zone 2/3