PlantsFruits & Berries
Wild Black Currant
Ribes americanum
Chicago-region native. Suited to zone 6a.
Edible shade-tolerant currant
ModerateFruits & BerriesAlso Shrubs & VinesEdible
- Light
- Part shade–full sun
- Moisture
- Medium–moist
- Mature size
- 3–6 ft
- Spacing
- 3–6 ft
- Bloom or harvest
- Flowers spring; fruit midsummer
- How it spreads
- Compact shrub
- What to buy
- Container or balled-and-burlapped; bare-root in early spring.
- When to plant
- Early Apr–May after soil thaws and drains; Sep–mid Oct for container/B&B. Bare-root: early spring.
In the design
Best with cool roots, moisture, and air circulation.
If you eat it
Ripe currants fresh or preserved
Verify local nursery guidance and positive identification
Only eat what you planted and can name. This is not a foraging or medical guide.
