Fauna
Plant

American Black Currant

Ribes americanum

Also known as Wild Black Currant, Eastern Black Currant

American Black Currant grows as an upright, thornless shrub in wet woodlands, floodplains, and stream margins throughout northern North America. Hanging clusters of cream-colored, bell-shaped flowers open in late spring, attracting native bees and early butterflies. Resinous yellow dots on the leaf undersides release a pungent, aromatic scent when rubbed, distinguishing it from related wild currants.

Native ShrubWetland PlantDeciduous
American Black Currant reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySunlight, Water, Soil Nutrients
Predators
  • White-tailed Deer
  • Cedar Waxwing
  • American Robin
ThreatsWetland drainage, invasive species competition
HabitatsWetlands, moist woodlands, floodplains, stream banks
Life span15–30 years
Classification
  1. FamilyGrossulariaceae
  2. SpeciesRibes americanum
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Wild berries have toxic look-alikes; never eat based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Scented Foliage: Rub the leaf underside gently to detect yellow resin glands and a strong fragrance.
  • Thornless Stems: Distinguish from gooseberries by checking for smooth, thorn-free branches.
  • Spring Blooms: Look for drooping clusters of yellowish-cream flowers in damp woods from May to June.
Related species
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