American Black Currant
ExplorePlants
American Black Currant
Ribes americanum
The American Black Currant is a small bush that grows tasty, dark berries. These berries are not only delicious but also very healthy! They can be found in many gardens and forests.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The American Black Currant is a deciduous shrub with deeply lobed, maple-like leaves that turn yellow in fall. It has small, bell-shaped, yellowish-green flowers that hang in drooping clusters. Its distinguishing feature is its shiny, dark purple-black berries that ripen in summer.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSaxifragalesFamilyGrossulariaceaeGenusRibes
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Crushing a leaf releases a musky smell, a unique way to identify this plant!
Each tiny flower has five petals, often hiding under the leaves in clusters.
Indigenous peoples traditionally used parts of this plant for various purposes.
These berries have a bold, tart taste perfect for jellies and pies!
Special abilities
Ability
Scented Shield
American Black Currant leaves release a strong musky scent when crushed, which helps it deter some hungry herbivores.
Ability
Berry Bonanza
American Black Currant produces tart, nutrient-rich dark berries that serve as an important food source for wildlife.
Ability
Root Anchor
American Black Currant has a dense root system that helps it stabilize soil, preventing erosion, especially near water.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 100-200 cm
- Spread
- 100-200 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring_to_early_summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
honey bee
Apis mellifera
Gathers nectar from flowers
eaten by
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Eats ripe berries, spreading seeds
eaten by
white-tailed deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Browses on leaves and twigs
eaten by
American black bear
Ursus americanus
Feasts on plentiful berries
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Shrub
A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.
Fruit Bearing
Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always ask an adult before picking or eating berries from plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is American Black Currant?
100-200 cm
How wide does American Black Currant spread?
100-200 cm
How big are the flowers on American Black Currant?
0.5-1 cm
When does American Black Currant bloom?
Spring_to_early_summer
Is American Black Currant edible?
Yes
Is American Black Currant toxic?
None
What is American Black Currant's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is American Black Currant pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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