Grossulariaceae
Squaw currant
Ribes cereum
Also known as Cerophyllum douglasii, Whisky currant, Boulder currant, Wax currant
Flowering Plants · Native Plants · Trees & Shrubs · Native Shrub · Currant · Edible Berries · Wildlife · Birds · Western Us · Drought Adapted · Deciduous · Mountain · Pollinator
Squaw currant is a compact, deciduous native shrub prized for its small white to pink tubular flowers in spring and red berries that attract birds through summer. It is highly adaptable to rocky, well-drained soils in arid and montane regions, making it an excellent low-water choice for western gardens. Prune lightly after fruiting to maintain shape, and enjoy this largely self-sufficient, wildlife-friendly shrub with minimal care.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 5 hours
- Watering
- Water moderately when young; once established, water deeply but infrequently allowing soil to dry between sessions · Every 10-14 days
- Maintenance
- Low
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Temperature
- -25°F to 95°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
Hardiness
USDA 4b-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 12 in – 4 ft
- Spread
- 3 ft
- Spacing
- 36 in apart
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- Yes
- Foliage
- Coarse
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies, Birds, Hummingbirds
Sources: trefle, usda
More Ribes
Related plants from the same genus
Buy this plant
No nurseries currently list it
No nursery lists Squaw currant right now.