Black currant - Ribes nigrum

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Black currant - Ribes nigrum
© Bob Gibbons

The black currant is a small shrub, which has five- lobed, aromatic leaves. The flowers are purplish-green and hang in spikes from the stems.

Clusters of edible black berries, rich in vitamin C, are produced in mid-summer and are much loved by birds. Several moths are closely associated with this plant including the magpie moth. Black currant grows in the wild as a long-established garden escape, occurring in wet woods and shaded streamsides.

A wide number of cultivated varieties is available, and the fruits are excellent in pies, jams and cordials.

Animals

Blackbird, Bullfinch, Butterflies, Currant clearwing moth, Honey bee, Magpie moth, Mistle thrush, Song thrush, White-tailed bumble bee, Woodpigeon

Foliage	Green
Flower	Green, April to May
Moisture	(Average)
Sunlight	(Full sun to Part-shade)
Origin	Non-native