Golden Currant
Ribes aureum
Grossulariaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native
Last updated
This profile contains verified botanical data. Regional field notes and expert review are in progress.
Golden currant (Ribes aureum), also called buffalo currant, is a broadleaf deciduous shrub in the Grossulariaceae family native to western North America from British Columbia east to Saskatchewan, south to Texas and west to California. It reaches 6-8 ft tall (10 ft at 20 years) with a decumbent, thicket-forming habit. Fragrant yellow tubular flowers turn orange and red with age, appearing on previous season's wood.
Golden currant is hardy in zones 3a-8b and tolerates full sun to shade with wet-tolerant drainage (pH 4.7-7.8) and moderate water, requiring a minimum 12-inch root depth. Growth is fast with five diseases documented. The plant naturally occurs by streams and ravines.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 23, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1434.4 to 1592.7 GDD₃₂. Golden Currant has passed 'flower buds visible' (940 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 23, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,593 | 'Flower buds visible' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 1,554 | 'Flower buds visible' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,537 | 'Flower buds visible' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,505 | 'Flower buds visible' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,483 | 'Flower buds visible' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,472 | 'Flower buds visible' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,434 | 'Flower buds visible' | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'Bud break' BBCH '07' | 740 | '' |
| 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' | 879 | '' |
| ● 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' NOW | 940 | '' |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? GDD₃₂ thresholds from USA National Phenology Network citizen science observations (WA+OR). Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 23, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 9, 2026, then climate normals.