American black currant is a thornless, erect native shrub with showy yellow flowers in early spring followed by edible black berries in mid-summer. It is an excellent choice for moist, shady sites.
This species is native to the Chicago region according to Swink and Wilhelm’s Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research.
- Family (English) Gooseberry
- Family (botanic) Grossulariaceae
- Tree or plant type Shrub
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Chicago area, Illinois, North America
- Size range Small shrub (3-5 feet), Medium shrub (5-8 feet)
- Mature height 3 to 5 feet high
- Mature width 3 to 5 fee wide
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago)
- Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
- Tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Occasional flooding, Wet sites
- Season of interest early winter, mid spring, midsummer, late summer, early fall
- Flower color and fragrance Yellow
- Shape or form Arching, Multi-stemmed, Round, Upright
- Growth rate Fast
- Has cultivars No
