Contents
Description
Ribes spicatum, commonly known as the wild currant or eastern prickly currant, is a deciduous shrub from the Grossulariaceae family. This species is native to North America and can be found in various habitats such as moist woods, stream banks, and rocky slopes. It typically grows up to 3-6 feet tall and wide, with a round shape and spreading branches.The plant has prickly stems and a greenish-brown bark. Its leaves are alternate and lobed, ranging from 1-4 inches in length. During the early summer, the plant produces clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers that eventually develop into edible red or black berries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Grossulariaceae |
| Genus | Ribes |
| Species | Ribes spicatum |
Appearance
Ribes spicatum is a relatively small shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide. Its branches are covered with prickles or thorns, and its bark is greenish-brown. The leaves are alternate and lobed, ranging from 1-4 inches in length. During the early summer, the plant produces clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers that eventually develop into edible red or black berries.
Care Guide
Ribes spicatum is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. Here are some care tips to help you grow this plant successfully:Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather conditions. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Ribes spicatum prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.5.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may affect the production of berries.Hardiness Zones: Ribes spicatum can grow in USDA hardiness zones 2 to 7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ribes spicatum can be affected by various pests and diseases. Here are some common ones:Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause stunted growth and yellow leaves.Currant fruit fly: This pest can damage the fruit and reduce the yield.Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves and reduce the plant’s vigor.Rust: This fungal disease can cause orange or yellow spots on the leaves and reduce the plant’s growth.
Habitat
Ribes spicatum is native to North America and can be found in various habitats such as moist woods, stream banks, and rocky slopes. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and can grow in USDA hardiness zones 2 to 7.
Question and Answer
Q: Are the berries of Ribes spicatum edible?A: Yes, the berries of Ribes spicatum are edible and can be used to make jams, jellies, and pies.Q: Does Ribes spicatum attract wildlife?A: Yes, Ribes spicatum is known to attract birds and other wildlife that feed on its berries.Q: Is Ribes spicatum a good plant for a small garden?A: Yes, Ribes spicatum is a relatively small shrub that can be grown in a small garden.Q: How often should I prune Ribes spicatum?A: You should prune Ribes spicatum once a year in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased wood.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Ribes spicatum:- Ribes americanum (American black currant)- Ribes aureum (Golden currant)- Ribes odoratum (Buffalo currant)
References
– “Ribes spicatum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed May 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h810.- “Ribes spicatum.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed May 2021. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:853007-1.
