Plant · GBIF taxon 2986111
Golden Currant
Ribes aureumAlso known as Clove Currant, Buffalo Currant, Pruterberry
Golden currant is a hardy deciduous shrub renowned for its profuse clusters of spicy, clove-scented yellow blossoms that emerge early in spring. These tubular flowers provide a vital nectar source for newly awakened bumblebees and migrating hummingbirds before developing into globose berries ranging in color from translucent amber to deep purple-black. Growing vigorously along stream banks, coulees, and woodland margins, the shrub stabilizes riparian soils while offering essential cover and browse for diverse wildlife.
Deciduous ShrubFragrant FlowersRiparian
Licensed reference(c) peganum, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
- Mule Deer
- American Elk
- Cedar Waxwing
ThreatsRiparian degradation, invasive weed competition, and severe wildfires
HabitatsRiparian corridors, canyon slopes, sagebrush valleys, and moist open woodlands
Life span20–30 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderSaxifragales
- FamilyGrossulariaceae
- GenusRibes
- SpeciesRibes aureum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Wild berries have toxic look-alikes; never eat based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
- Spring Identification: Look for distinctive three-lobed leaves paired with clusters of fragrant golden blooms in early spring.
- Fragrance Check: Gently smell the newly opened blossoms to detect a signature spicy clove aroma without damaging the branch.
- Gardening Use: Plant in native gardens as a drought-tolerant shrub that supports local pollinators and songbirds.
Pollinator no rights reserved, uploaded by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab · cc0
Pollinator Michelle Lynn Reynolds / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Brian Finzel, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Brian Finzel · cc-by-sa
Close Relative no rights reserved · cc0
Close Relative (c) WF_MI, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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