Hudson Bay Currant, Northern black currant, Western black currant

Ribes hudsonianum

Physical Characteristics

Ribes hudsonianum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained 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

Northern N. America - Alaska to Oregon, south to British Columbia and Minnesota.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 101, 161, 172, 257]. Mainly used in jams, jellies etc[183]. The fruit is about 5 - 10mm in diameter[200].

Medicinal Uses

Miscellany Women's complaints A decoction of the stem sections, used alone or with wild gooseberry stems (Ribes spp) has been used to treat sickness after childbirth[257]. The raw fruits have been eaten as a treatment for colds[257]. A decoction of leaves and fruits has been used to treat sickness in general[257]. A decoction of the stems and leaves has been used in the treatment of colds, sore throats and stomach complaints[257]. A decoction of the roots has been taken as a general panacea to treat all types of sickness and also tuberculosis[257].

Known Hazards

None known