- Currants grow on a small shrub that usually grows about 5 feet tall and 5 feet wide. The leaves are generally green or blue-green as on red currant bushes and resemble maple leaves in their shape. In the spring, flowers appear on long strands called strigs. Each flower produces a berry, and berries ripen from the top of the strig toward the bottom.
- Red and white currants are common in the United States. Black currants are more common to Europe, but are gaining popularity in the United States. Gooseberries and buffalo currants are two species of the same genus (Ribes). Gooseberries are much larger than currants -- about the size of grapes -- and buffalo currants are native to the American Plains and the West, and are generally more tolerant of poor soils and dry conditions.
- Red and white currants have a sweet flavor right off the bush and are perfect for use in jams, jellies and purees, while black currants are much more tart and are only suitable for culinary uses. Gooseberries, should you decide to try them, are an uncommon treat in pie form. Because birds love the fruit, the currant bush is an excellent native plant for use in a wildlife habitat garden.
- Currant bushes are hosts for white pine blister rust, which can devastate white pine tree populations. The bushes were banned in many states in the early 20th century, but the ban was lifted in 1966. Purdue University recommends Consort, Crandall and Crusader as good resistant varieties. Check with your local county extension office before you plant currant bushes to make sure they aren't banned in your state or county and to determine the best resistant varieties for your area.
Identification
Types
Uses
White Pine Blister Rust
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