Buffalo Currant, Golden Currant

Once known as Ribes aureum, Ribes odoratum aureum is a medium-sized, deciduous shrub with an upright, arching habit and downy young shoots. Ovate, 3- to 5-lobed, bright green leaves turn bronzy red and purple in autumn, and have a spicy scent. In mid-spring, hanging racemes of tubular, pale yellow flowers are borne; these have a rich, clove-like scent which is carried on the air. The flowers are a good nectar source for pollinators, and are followed in autumn by black, currant-like berries. Easy to grow, buffalo currant is less pungent and garish-looking than the common flowering currant, and looks particularly well with narcissus, pulmonarias and blue spring bulbs.

Site: Tolerates some coastal and inland exposure
Soil: Well drained, normal soils
Position: Full sun, tolerates partial shade
Season of Interest: Spring flowers, early food source for pollinators
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 5-8ft (1.5-2.5m) Spread: 3-5ft (1-1.5m)