Ribes canthariforme
Moreno currant
(c) James C. Davis, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Grossulariaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Ribes canthariforme (Moreno currant) is a native California shrub in the Grossulariaceae family, recognized by very small stature and tiny leaves diagnostic.
Moreno currant is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native shrub found in western Peninsular Ranges in chaparral at elevations of 500 to 1,200 meters. Flowering from February to April, this plant produces purple flowers with darker veins in dense spike- or head-like clusters. Growing to less than 2.5 meters tall with no nodal spines, it has a distinctive growth form with soft, wavy stems. Its thick leaves are 4 to 6 centimeters long, green on top with long soft hairs, and gray-green underneath with dense hairy coverage. The fruit is a purple berry 5 to 6 millimeters long, initially covered with long, soft, wavy hairs that diminish with age.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 14 sympatric species; very small stature and tiny leaves diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral
Elevation: 500-1200 m
California counties: San Diego, Riverside
Bloom period
Ribes canthariforme blooms Feb-Apr.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Rubus: Ribes has palmately lobed leaves; blackberry has compound leaves with 3-7 separate leaflets.; vs Rhus: Ribes has palmately lobed simple leaves; sumac has pinnately compound leaves with separate leaflets.; vs Quercus: Ribes has toothed maple-like lobes; oak has smooth-edged rounded lobes and acorns.; vs Acer: Ribes has drooping flower clusters; maple has upright flower clusters and winged paired fruits.; vs Holodiscus: Ribes has broad palmately lobed leaves; ocean spray has pinnately arranged leaflets on compound leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ribes canthariforme native to California?
Yes. Ribes canthariforme is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Ribes canthariforme bloom?
Ribes canthariforme blooms Feb-Apr.
Where in California does Ribes canthariforme grow?
Ribes canthariforme occurs in San Diego, Riverside, at elevations of 500-1200 m.
What plant family does Ribes canthariforme belong to?
Ribes canthariforme is in the Grossulariaceae family, genus Ribes.
Is Ribes canthariforme rare or endangered?
Ribes canthariforme carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.