wax currant
ExplorePlants
wax currant
Ribes cereum
The wax currant is a small shrub that grows tasty, sweet berries. These berries are often covered in a waxy coating, which helps keep them fresh and delicious for animals and people to enjoy!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The wax currant has distinctive, rounded leaves covered in a waxy, sticky resin, giving them a dull, greenish-gray hue. Its small, tubular flowers range from pinkish-white to pale red, maturing into shiny red or orange berries.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSaxifragalesFamilyGrossulariaceaeGenusRibes
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
6
Interesting facts
Its name "cereum" means "waxy," just like a crayon!
Many native bee species absolutely love its tiny, tube-shaped flowers!
Some birds use its dense branches for safe, cozy nesting spots!
You can smell its unique, spicy scent just by touching its leaves!
Special abilities
Ability
Drought Defender
The wax currant has sticky, waxy leaves that help it store water and survive in dry, arid environments.
Ability
Scent Shield
It can produce a strong, resinous scent from its leaves, which helps deter hungry animals from nibbling on it.
Ability
Berry Beacon
This plant grows bright red berries, acting like a beacon to birds, who then help spread its seeds far and wide.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 50-200 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
eaten by
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Feeds on its ripe, juicy berries.
pollinates
Two-form Bumblebee
Bombus bifarius
Visits the small, tubular flowers for nectar.
eaten by
American Black Bear
Ursus americanus
Consumes its sweet berries when available.
Traits
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.
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 check with an adult before eating any wild berries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify wax currant?
The easiest way to identify wax currant is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is wax currant?
50-200 cm
How wide does wax currant spread?
100-200 cm
How big are the flowers on wax currant?
0.5-1 cm
When does wax currant bloom?
Spring to early summer
Is wax currant edible?
Yes
Is wax currant toxic?
None
What is wax currant's lifecycle?
Perennial
Snap Map
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