Ribes laxiflorum

Pursh

White-flowered currant, Trailing black currant

Grossulariaceae Edible: Fruit 1,132 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-sa

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Ribes laxiflorum is a species of currant known by the common names trailing black currant, and spreading currant. It is native to western North America.

Description

Deciduous shrub reaching only 0.3m tall, hardy to UK zone 5. Hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by insects. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils preferring well-drained conditions. Grows in mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline soils. Suitable for semi-shaded woodland or full sun. Prefers moist soil.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, and while palatable, it is not particularly juicy. Fruits grow up to 10mm long (often smaller) and are borne in small racemes. They can be dried for later use or made into jelly.

Traditional Uses

The berries are eaten raw or cooked and eaten with oil or sugar.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

A decoction or infusion of the root or branches can be used daily as an eyewash to remove foreign matter from the eyes. A decoction of the leaves and twigs serves as a general tonic. A decoction of the bark has been used to treat colds, and a decoction of the bark and roots has been used in the treatment of tuberculosis.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Alaska, Canada, 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. 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 3 months of cold stratification at 0–5°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. Take cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10–15cm with a heel, 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.

Other Uses

None known.

Notes

There are about 150 Ribes species.

Nutrition

Part	Moisture	kJ	kcal	Protein	Vit A	Vit C	Iron	Zinc
Fruit	84	272	65	0.7	—	61.5	0.6	0.4

Also Known As

Ts'ipscili

References (4)

Fl. Amer. sept. 2:731. 1813-1814
Kuhnlein, H. V., et al, 2009, Indigenous Peoples' food systems. FAO Rome p 33
Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 478
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/