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Description
Ribes Alpinum, also known as Alpine Currant, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Grossulariaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia, and it grows up to 1-2 meters tall. The leaves of Ribes Alpinum are green and lobed, and they turn yellow in the fall. The shrub blooms in the spring, producing small yellow-green flowers that grow in clusters. The flowers are followed by small red berries that are edible but not commonly consumed.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Grossulariaceae |
| Genus | Ribes |
| Species | Alpinum |
Appearance
Ribes Alpinum is a dense shrub with a rounded shape. Its branches are thin and flexible, and they grow in a zigzag pattern. The leaves are bright green, lobed, and have a wrinkled texture. They grow up to 5 cm long and 4 cm wide. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow and fall off the shrub. The flowers of Ribes Alpinum are small and yellow-green, and they grow in clusters. The shrub blooms in the spring, from April to May. The fruit of Ribes Alpinum is a small red berry that is edible but not commonly consumed.
Care Guide
- Water: Ribes Alpinum prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water the shrub regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilization: Fertilize Ribes Alpinum in the spring, using a balanced fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.
- Soil: Ribes Alpinum prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy.
- Sunlight: Ribes Alpinum prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate shade, but it will produce fewer flowers and fruit.
- Hardiness Zones: Ribes Alpinum is hardy in zones 2-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ribes Alpinum is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt and yellow. Treat aphids by spraying the shrub with insecticidal soap.
- Currant Blister Aphid: This pest causes the leaves to become distorted and blistered. Treat it by removing and destroying infested leaves.
- Mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating to form on the leaves. Treat it by spraying the shrub with a fungicide.
- Rust: This fungal disease causes orange or brown spots to form on the leaves. Treat it by removing and destroying infested leaves.
Habitat
Ribes Alpinum is native to Europe and Asia. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and rocky slopes. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Ribes Alpinum?
A: Water Ribes Alpinum regularly, especially during dry periods. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Can I eat the berries of Ribes Alpinum?
A: Yes, the berries of Ribes Alpinum are edible, but they are not commonly consumed.
Q: What is the best time of year to fertilize Ribes Alpinum?
A: Fertilize Ribes Alpinum in the spring, using a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Ribes Alpinum?
A: Ribes Alpinum is hardy in zones 2-7.
Related Plants
- Ribes Aureum
- Ribes Cereum
- Ribes Rubrum
- Ribes Uva-Crispa
References
- “Ribes Alpinum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277388. Accessed 22 Sept. 2021.
- “Ribes Alpinum.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/9212/Ribes-alpinum/Details. Accessed 22 Sept. 2021.
- “Ribes Alpinum.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/ribes-alpinum-plant-profile-5072301. Accessed 22 Sept. 2021.
