Golden Currant | Ribes aureum var gracillimum

Ribes aureum var. gracillimum is a deciduous shrub commonly known as Golden Currant. This California native variety of the wider Ribes aureum species is naturally found in coastal sage scrub, chaparral margins, canyons, and riparian areas, primarily in southern and central California. It’s a highly adaptable and ornamental shrub that plays well in native landscapes and habitat gardens.
Tolerant of a wide range of soils—from clay-heavy to sandy loam—it thrives in full sun to part shade, and can handle both dry slopes and wetter creekside conditions. Once established, it's drought tolerant, though it appreciates occasional deep watering in long dry spells.
This variety offers three-season beauty and supports local ecosystems in a big way:
* Fragrant yellow, clove-scented flowers bloom from late winter to spring, drawing in hummingbirds, native bees, and early-season pollinators.
* Edible berries ripen by summer, often black or deep purple, and are enjoyed by birds, small mammals, and foragers alike. They can be eaten fresh, dried, or turned into jams and syrups.
* In fall, the foliage often turns a rich red-orange, giving your garden a pop of autumn color.

Though young plants may need protection from browsing deer, mature shrubs are generally deer resistant and long-lived.
This graceful, arching shrub typically grows 3 to 6 feet tall and wide, with lobed, bright green leaves and a naturally open, elegant form. It’s perfect for hedgerows, understory planting, or as a seasonal focal point.

Quick Facts:
Height: 3–6 feet
Soil Preference: Adaptable – clay, loam, sandy
Light: Full sun to part shade
Blooming Period: February–April
Water: Drought tolerant once established
Foliage: Deciduous December to February
Wildlife Value: Excellent – pollinators, birds, small mammals
Edibility: Fruit edible raw or cooked
Deer Resistance: Moderate to high (once mature)

Seed Info:
Optimum Soil Temperature for Germination: 40°F–60°F
Sowing Depth: 1/4 inch
Germination: 60–120 days (requires cold stratification)

Packet contains 15 organically grown seeds, untreated, non-GMO, hand-gathered and packaged in California.