Overview
Ribes cynosbati is a deciduous shrub in the currant family reaching 2-4 ft (60-120 cm) tall and wide, with arching stems that bear one to three straight spines at each leaf node. The rounded, maple-like leaves are 1-2.5 in (2.5-6 cm) wide with three to five lobed, toothed margins and soft hairs. Greenish to dull-yellow bell-shaped flowers, about 0.25 in (6 mm) long, hang singly or in groups of two or three in spring. These are followed by round berries 0.4-0.6 in (10-15 mm) across that are covered in stiff prickles and ripen from green to reddish-purple in summer. The pulp is edible despite the spiny skin. It grows in rocky woods, slopes, and ravines, often in part shade. The prickly stems and bristly fruit make harvesting and handling difficult. Like other Ribes spp., it can host white pine blister rust and is regulated in some areas where white pines are grown. Birds and mammals eat the ripe berries.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, from Quebec and Ontario south to North Carolina and west to Missouri and Manitoba. It grows in rocky deciduous woodlands, on wooded slopes and bluffs, and along ravines and rocky stream banks.Suggested Uses
Grown in native and woodland gardens, edible-landscape plantings, and wildlife borders for its berries. It suits shaded slopes and naturalized edges spaced 3-4 ft (90-120 cm) apart. The fruit is used fresh or in preserves, and the shrub shelters and feeds birds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Small greenish-yellow flowers open in mid to late spring, roughly April to May, as the leaves expand. Bloom lasts about 2-3 weeks. Spiny green berries form soon after and ripen to reddish-purple by mid to late summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Ribes cynosbati grows in part shade to full sun in cool, moist but well-drained soils rich in organic matter, at a pH of 6.0-7.0. It tolerates rocky ground and benefits from a layer of leaf mulch that keeps the roots cool. Even moisture suits it, though established plants tolerate short dry spells. It serves as an alternate host for white pine blister rust, and planting near white pines is restricted in some states. Removing the oldest stems keeps shrubs productive. Aphids and leaf spot can occur but rarely cause lasting harm.Pruning
Prune in late winter while dormant, removing the oldest stems at the base and thinning crowded growth to let light into the shrub. Berries form on stems two to three years old, so a rotation of stem renewal keeps fruiting steady. Damaged and crossing canes can be taken out at any time.Pruning Schedule
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winterearly spring