About Ribes rubrum L.
Redcurrant (or red currant), with the scientific name Ribes rubrum L., is a species in the genus Ribes of the plant family Grossulariaceae. It is native to western Europe. Ribes rubrum is a deciduous shrub that typically grows 1 to 1.5 meters (3.5 to 5 feet) tall, and occasionally reaches 2 meters (7 feet) in height. Its five-lobed leaves are arranged spirally along its stems. The plant produces inconspicuous yellow-green flowers that grow in hanging racemes 4 to 8 centimeters (1.5 to 3.25 inches) long. These flowers mature into bright red, translucent, edible berries that are roughly 8 to 12 millimeters (3/8 to 1/2 inch) in diameter. Wild plants usually bear 3 to 10 berries per raceme. Ribes rubrum is self-pollinating, but it produces a larger fruit yield when pollinated by another plant of a different variety. An established mature bush can produce 3 to 4 kilograms (6.5 to 8.75 pounds) of berries from mid- to late summer. Several other closely related similar species, native to Europe, Asia, and North America, also produce edible fruit. These species include R. spicatum, native to northern Europe and northern Asia; R. alpinum, native to northern Europe and high altitude areas as far south as the Alps, Pyrenees, and Caucasus; R. schlechtendalii, native to northeast Europe; R. multiflorum, native to southeast Europe; R. petraeum, native to southwest Europe; and R. triste, native to North America, ranging from Newfoundland to Alaska and growing southward in mountain areas. Currant bushes grow best in partial to full sunlight, and can tolerate most types of soil. They are relatively low-maintenance plants, and can also be grown as ornamental vegetation.
