Alpine currant, Mountain currant, Rock currant, Northern currant
Ribes alpinum
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
The berries are edible, although not particularly palatable raw; best used in jams, jellies, and pies. The leaves can be used to make a tea substitute. It makes an excellent hedging plant, tolerating heavy pruning and providing dense screening. It is also used for erosion control on slopes. It attracts pollinators and provides habitat for birds.
Permapeople description
The Alpine currant (Ribes alpinum) is a flowering shrub native to the mountains of Europe and Asia. It typically grows to between 1 and 1.5 meters in height, with a spread of up to 1.5 meters. The leaves are dark green and have three to five lobes, and the plant produces small, yellow or greenish flowers in the spring. The fruit of the Alpine currant is a small, dark red berry that is edible and can be used in jams and jellies.
The Alpine currant prefers well-drained, moist soil and grows best in partial to full sun. It is winter hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures down to -40 degrees Celsius. To cultivate the plant successfully, it is important to provide regular watering, especially during dry periods. Pruning may also be necessary to maintain the shape and size of the plant.
In addition to its edible fruit, the Alpine currant can be used for a variety of purposes. The plant can provide habitat and food for wildlife, and its dense growth habit makes it useful for erosion control and as a windbreak. The plant can also be used for nitrogen fixation and as a natural mulch in the garden. Some people also use the leaves and stems of the Alpine currant for medicinal purposes.
Botanical description
Ribes alpinum is a deciduous shrub growing to 1-2 meters tall. The leaves are palmate with 3-5 lobes, each lobe toothed. It is dioecious, with separate male and female plants. The male flowers are greenish-yellow, borne in erect racemes. The female flowers are similar but less conspicuous. The fruit is a bright red berry, about 8-12mm in diameter. It is native to central and northern Europe, as well as parts of Asia.
Companion planting
Ribes alpinum is generally a good companion plant, attracting pollinators and providing habitat. Its hedging capabilities make it a useful boundary plant. There are no known significantly unfavorable companion plants.
Propagation methods
Propagation can be achieved through seeds, cuttings (hardwood or softwood), and layering. Seed germination can be improved by stratification. Cuttings are best taken in the dormant season or in early summer. Division of suckers is also possible.
History and traditions
Historically, the berries were used for food, especially in times of scarcity, though they were never considered a particularly desirable fruit. The plant was also used medicinally in some cultures for its astringent properties. It has long been cultivated as an ornamental shrub and hedging plant in Europe.
Usage calendar
Flowering occurs in April-May. Berries ripen in July-August. Hardwood cuttings are best taken in late fall or winter. Softwood cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring.