This gold flowered currant is blooming in the Scented Garden.
A native of the western United States, where it is commonly referred to as the clover or buffalo currant, Ribes odoratum grows naturally on rocky slopes and streamside banks. It grows to 2.5m in height, has a loose habit, and unlike many currants the stems have no spines, but young shoots may be hairy. The deciduous lobed leaves emerge with racemes of clove-scented, trumpet-shaped flowers. The flowers are followed by drooping clusters of glossy, black, edible fruits which can be used for juice, jams and pies. A few species of Ribes occur in South America, but the majority are from the northern hemisphere where they grow in woodland, scrub and rocky situations. They have alternate, usually lobed leaves, and tubular, cup- or bell-shaped flowers with four or five larger spreading sepals.