Buffalo Currant

Once known as Ribes aureum, Ribes odoratum is a medium-sized, deciduous shrub with an upright, arching habit and downy young shoots. Ovate, 3- to 5-lobed, bright green leaves turn bronzy red and purple in autumn, and have a spicy scent. In mid-spring, hanging racemes of tubular, pale yellow flowers are borne; these have a rich, clove-like scent which is carried on the air. The flowers are a good nectar source for pollinators, and are followed in autumn by black, currant-like berries. Easy to grow, buffalo currant is less pungent and garish-looking than the common flowering currant, and looks particularly well with narcissus, pulmonarias and blue spring bulbs.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any light, well drained soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Spring in particular
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: up to 8 (2.5m) Spread: 8 (2.5m)