Description
Sierra currant has lovely late spring blossoms that range in color from red to magenta to pink. It is a native, multi-stemmed shrub in the Grossulariaceae (Currant & Gooseberry) family that grows up to 6′ tall and 3′ wide. It also goes by the additional common name: Mountain pink currant. It is most often found in the wild on forest margins, along streams and other wetland and riparian habitats, as well as openings in evergreen forests. It is primarily found in the mountainous regions of California, at mid to high elevations, including California’s Klamath Mountains. Its distribution extends a little into western Nevada, and there’s some evidence of it in SW Oregon, but it is primarily a California species. Sierra currant is a deciduous shrub that is tolerant of wide variety of soil types as long as adequate drainage is provided. Although it is found in mountainous habitats, it grows well at lower elevations in gardens with some supplemental water. It needs regular moisture but can tolerate some periods of drought conditions in the summer. It can grow in full sun to part shade. Similar to the more well known red flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum), Sierra currant has a smaller inflorescence (flower), and tends to grow a little shorter, and bloom later, so it is complimentary and just as lovely. Sierra currant attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other insects and pollinators. In late summer it produces blue-black-glaucous fruit.
Sierra currant (Ribes nevadense) seed packets contain approximately 115 seeds per packet.
Seed Germination Instructions
90 days cold-moist stratification. Sow outside in fall to early winter.