Alpine Currant

Ribes alpinum

Physical Characteristics

Ribes alpinum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Flies, bees. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa, Italy, Montenegro, Bulgaria

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Ground Cover; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[105]. Sweet and not very acid, but less palatable than R. rubrum, the red currant[2]. An insipid fruit[100], it is not palatable[1, 11]. The only fruits we have eaten have been good size red currants with a fair flavour[K]. The fruit is about 5mm in diameter and can be freely borne when male and female plants are grown[K].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known