Ribes inebrians

Lindl.

Whisky currant

Grossulariaceae Edible: Fruit, Leaves

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Summary

Ribes inebrians is a deciduous shrub growing to 2 m tall, hardy to UK zone 4. It flowers in May. The plant is hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. It accommodates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage, preferring mildly acidic to basic conditions. Growth occurs in semi-shade or full sun in moist soil.

Description

A shrub. It grows 2 m tall. It loses its leaves during the year. The fruit are 5 mm across.

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Edible Uses

The fruit, about 5mm in diameter, can be eaten raw or cooked, dried for later use, or made into preserves. One report notes that although the Hopi ate the fruit, it could cause illness; another report describes it as highly relished. The leaves can also be eaten cooked.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten raw or cooked. They can be dried and stored. The leaves are cooked and eaten.

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Medicinal Uses

A poultice of the plant has been applied to sores.

Distribution

It is a warm temperate plant. It grows on dry slopes up to 3,700 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Cultivation

Easily grown in a moisture retentive but well-drained loamy soil of at least moderate quality. Plants are quite tolerant of shade though do not fruit so well in such a position. Hardy to about -20°c. This species is closely related to R. cereum. Plants can harbour a stage of 'white pine blister rust', so they should not be grown in the vicinity of pine trees. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 4–5 months cold stratification at 0–9°C and should be sown as early in the year as possible. Under normal storage conditions seed can remain viable for 17 years or more. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, grow on in a cold frame for their first winter, then plant out in late spring the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10–15cm with a heel, can be taken in July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, preferably with a heel of the previous year's growth, can be taken November to February in a cold frame or sheltered bed outdoors.