Ribes alpinum

Alpine Current is a dense, rounded deciduous shrub in the gooseberry family. It is native to mountainous areas of northern and central Europe and is extremely winter hardy. The shrub has separate male and female plants with only the female bearing fruit. Most shrubs sold commercially are male as they are less susceptible to rust diseases.

Grow this plant in full sun to deep shade in average moist well-drained alkaline soils. It is tolerant of rocky and clay soils and is somewhat drought tolerant once established.   The shrub reaches 5-6 feet tall and wide with non-showy flowers and attractive bright green lobed leaves. The round red fruits are on fertilized female shrubs only and are not edible.

The leaves of this shrub reach the ground making it great as informal hedge,as a foundation plant, or used in a shrub border..  It withstands both heavy pruning and shearing.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids, current bud mite, and scales are occasional pests.  In humid, wet climates leaf spots, rust, and anthracnose can be a problem.  Female plants are an alternative host for white pine blister rust.  All Ribes are prohibited in North Carolina at this time. 

SECTION .0400 -WHITE PINE BLISTER RUST02 NCAC 48A .0401CURRANT AND GOOSEBERRY PLANTS

 (a) All wild and cultivated currant and gooseberry plants in North Carolina are hereby declared to be dangerous plants and are consequently subject to destruction by the Commissioner of Agriculture or authorized agents wherever found.(b) No person shall knowingly and willfully keep upon his premises any currant or gooseberry plant, or permit such plants to mature seed or otherwise multiply upon his land.

History Note: Authority G.S. 106-65.45; 106-65.46; 106-284.18; 106-420; Eff. January 1, 1985.