Wax Currant

Wax currant (Ribes cereum) is a broadleaf deciduous shrub in the Grossulariaceae family native to western North America from British Columbia to California, east to Montana, Nebraska, Colorado, and New Mexico. It reaches 4-6 ft tall and produces greenish-white to pinkish tubular flowers 6-8 mm long on previous season's wood. It naturally occurs in canyons and dry ravines.

Wax currant is hardy in zones 5a-8b and prefers full sun with moist soil (pH 4.5-8.5) and moderate water. Five diseases are documented. The fruit has a low edibility rating (2/5) but provides food for wildlife.