Ribes alpinum aka Alpine Currant

Ribes alpinum, or alpine currant, belongs to the gooseberry family. This deciduous shrub grows in Europe, including Britain and Russia. Its range also reaches the Caucasus, northeast Turkey, and Morocco. It forms a dense mound with many upright stems. Garden plants reach 3–6 feet (0.9–1.8 metres) tall and wide. Some reach 7 feet (2.1 metres) across. RHS gives a smaller range of 1.6–3.3 feet (0.5–1 metre).

The leaves grow along the stems in an alternate pattern. Each simple leaf has three to five lobes. Young leaves look bright green, then darken and gain gloss. In fall, they turn yellow without making a strong display. New bark looks smooth and pale grey. Older bark turns brown-grey and may peel away. The shoots lack spines, and fine twigs fill the crown. Leaves extend near the ground, helping the shrub form hedges.

Small green-yellow flowers open in April in upright clusters. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Butterflies visit the flowers, though the blooms draw little notice. Pollinated female plants bear round red berries in summer and fall. Birds eat the fruit, which can add some colour. Most plants sold are male, so they bear no berries. Sources disagree about whether people should eat the fruit. PFAF lists it as edible raw or cooked, with mixed flavour reports. Missouri Botanical Garden and NC State call it inedible. PFAF reports no known hazards, but this does not settle the disagreement.

Alpine currant grows best in sun but also tolerates deep shade. It needs soil that drains well, with moderate moisture. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and rocky ground. RHS lists acid, neutral, and alkaline soils as suitable. Once established, the shrub withstands some drought. Sources rate it for USDA zones 2–7 and UK hardiness H6. Growth is moderate, and routine care demands little work. It suits hedges, grouped borders, screens, and foundation planting. It tolerates shearing and hard pruning. Winter hardwood cuttings offer one way to grow new plants.

Wet, humid weather can bring leaf spot, mildew, rust, and anthracnose. RHS also lists coral spot and occasional honey fungus. Aphids, scale, bud mites, gall midges, and fruit flies may attack. Female plants can host white pine blister rust. Male plants show greater rust resistance, according to the sources. Some US states restrict currants because of risks to white pines. NC State reports a ban on all Ribes in North Carolina. Check local rules before planting.