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Description
Ribes Lacustre, also known as Swamp Currant, is a deciduous shrub native to North America. It belongs to the Grossulariaceae family, which includes other currants and gooseberries. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide and produces fragrant, yellow-green flowers in the spring. The flowers turn into dark purple berries in the summer, which are edible but sour in taste.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Grossulariaceae |
| Genus | Ribes |
Appearance
Ribes Lacustre has a dense, rounded habit and can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide. The leaves are green and lobed, and they turn yellow in the fall. The plant produces fragrant, yellow-green flowers in the spring, which are followed by dark purple berries in the summer. The berries are edible but sour in taste.
Care Guide
Ribes Lacustre is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. Here are some tips on how to care for Ribes Lacustre:
- Water: Water regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Fertilization: Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Ribes Lacustre can tolerate full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Ribes Lacustre is hardy in zones 3 to 7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ribes Lacustre is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be affected by the following:
- Currant Aphid: These pests suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and distort.
- White Pine Blister Rust: This fungal disease can cause yellowing and premature defoliation of the leaves.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves and stems.
Habitat
Ribes Lacustre is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, swamps, and bogs. It grows well in moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. It is hardy in zones 3 to 7.
Question and Answer
Q: Are Ribes Lacustre berries edible?
A: Yes, Ribes Lacustre berries are edible but sour in taste.
Q: Does Ribes Lacustre require a lot of care?
A: No, Ribes Lacustre is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care.
Q: What pests and diseases can affect Ribes Lacustre?
A: Ribes Lacustre can be affected by currant aphids, white pine blister rust, and anthracnose.
Q: Where is Ribes Lacustre native to?
A: Ribes Lacustre is native to North America.
Related Plants
- Ribes Aureum
- Ribes Cereum
- Ribes Divaricatum
- Ribes Sanguineum
References
- “Ribes Lacustre – Plant Finder.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e558
- “Ribes Lacustre.” North Carolina State University, plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ribes-lacustre/
- “Swamp Currant.” Minnesota Wildflowers, www.minnesotawildflowers.info/shrub/swamp-currant
