Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Chaparral Currant (Ribes malvaceum var. viridifolium) is a summer-deciduous shrub that native to southern and central California, growing primarily in the transverse range mountains and upper peninsular range mountains.

It grows quickly to about 6 feet in height, with beautiful red to light pink flowers in the winter that attract hummingbirds. It can handle some summer water (1-2x per month), and a wide variety of soil types. It prefers part shade or full shade.

Plant type

Shrub

Size

6 ft Tall

Dormancy

Winter Deciduous

Calscape icon
Color

Pink, Red

Flowering season

Winter, Spring

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Water

Low, Very Low

Ease of care

Moderate

Soil drainage

Fast, Medium, Slow

Soil description

Tolerant of a variety of soils as long as long as adequate drainage is provided.

Site type

Woodlands, shady areas

Plant communities

Chaparral, Woodland

Hummingbirds
Birds
Bees
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 53 likely

Confirmed Likely

Agrochola purpurea

Polyphemus moth

Antheraea polyphemus