Golden Currant
Ribes aureum
Care
full sun, part shade
low
adaptable; tolerates clay and moist soils
3–8ft tall , 3–6ft wide
Mar-May · yellow
Deciduous
Resistant
Friendly
Yes
Prized
Berries eaten fresh or cooked
Western North America from British Columbia to Mexico
Clusters of fragrant golden-yellow tubular flowers
Spice-scented flowers; excellent fall color; edible berries
Care Guide
Planting
Plant golden currant in fall or winter when the plant is dormant. If you're on the coast, choose a full sun spot; if you're inland, part shade is ideal - it grows especially well under oak trees. This shrub tolerates a wide range of soils including clay and poorly drained conditions, so don't stress about perfect drainage. Space plants 3–5 feet apart since they spread readily.
After Planting
Water weekly for the first growing season to establish the plant, then taper off to a maximum of twice monthly once established - this is a low-water plant, so less is better. Mulch around the base, especially in drier inland areas, to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Once established, golden currant needs essentially no special care and will even tolerate cold down to 0°F. The biggest mistake is overwatering established plants; resist the urge to coddle it, as it genuinely prefers dry conditions once its roots are settled.
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Multi-generational larval host; overwinters as adult
Spring forager for newly emerged queens
Larval host plant; caterpillars Mar-Apr
Specialist pollen collector during emergence period
Early pollen and nectar source for colony establishment
Adults nectaring Mar-May
Early season nectar source Mar-Apr
Birds
Critical early spring nectar source for northbound migrants
Early nectar source Mar-May during breeding season establishment
Berry consumption during nesting season Jun-Jul
Rare winter visitor to western populations; berry forager
Consumes ripening berries May-Jun during breeding season
Irregular winter visitor, feeds on persistent dried berries