Wax Currant

Wax currant is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub reaching 4-6 feet, distributed from British Columbia south to northern California and east to Montana and Colorado, typically in canyons, dry ravines, and open hillsides. The rounded leaves (1-4 cm wide) are three to five-lobed with crenate margins and a distinctive waxy gray-green appearance, especially on lower surfaces.

Wax currant adapts to full sun and part shade on moist, well-drained soils; provide occasional summer water in drier climates. The plant is hardier than many currants (zone 5) and less prone to blister rust and powdery mildew than some close relatives. Fruit is edible when ripe, though flavor varies from good to unpalatable depending on individual plants.