Ribes aureum

The plant is a small to medium-sized deciduous shrub, tall. The leaves are long, The plant blooms in spring with racemes of conspicuous golden yellow flowers, often with a pronounced, spicy fragrance similar to that of cloves or vanilla. Flowers may also be shades of cream to reddish, and are borne in clusters of up to 18. == Taxonomy ==

The species belongs to the subgenus Ribes, which contains other currants such as the blackcurrant (R. nigrum) and redcurrant (R. rubrum), and is the sole member of the section Symphocalyx. Varieties • Ribes aureum var. aureum: below in the western U.S. • Ribes aureum var. gracillimum: below in the California Coast Ranges • Ribes aureum var. villosum – clove currant (syn: Ribes odoratum); native west of Mississippi River, but naturalized further to the east == Distribution and habitat ==

Ribes aureum is native to Canada and the central United States west of the Mississippi River, but has escaped cultivation and naturalized in the eastern United States. ==Ecology==

Pollinators of the plant include hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. The fruit is eaten by various birds and mammals. This currant species is susceptible to white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola), a fungus which attacks and kills pines, so it is sometimes eradicated from forested areas where the fungus is active to prevent its spread. ==Cultivation==

R. aureum is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant, in traditional, native plant, drought tolerant, and wildlife gardens, and natural landscaping projects. Named cultivars have been also introduced. Although the flowers are hermaphroditic, the yield is greatly benefited by cross-pollination. ==Uses==

The fruits are edible raw, but are very tart or bitter. They are usually cooked with sugar and can be made into jelly. ==References==