Ribes sanguineum var. sanguineum
Red flowering currant
Photo: parent species Ribes sanguineum · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Grossulariaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Ribes sanguineum var. sanguineum (Red flowering currant) is a native California shrub in the Grossulariaceae family, recognized by erect bright red flower clusters and white-hairy leaves diagnostic.
Red flowering currant is a California native shrub found in the Klamath Ranges and northern coastal redwood habitats in montane forests at elevations of 1,300 to 2,320 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces clusters of deep red flowers hanging in graceful, drooping inflorescences. Growing to less than 3 meters tall with upright to spreading branches, it forms an elegant woodland shrub. Its maple-like leaves have soft white undersides and are glandular, with blade surfaces that feel subtly textured when touched. When mature, the shrub creates a dramatic display of rich red blossoms against its green foliage, making it a striking landscape accent.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 25 sympatric species; erect bright red flower clusters and white-hairy leaves diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Montane forests
Elevation: 1300-2320 m
Outside California: to British Columbia
Bloom period
Ribes sanguineum var. sanguineum blooms Apr-Jul.
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 sanguineum var. sanguineum native to California?
Yes. Ribes sanguineum var. sanguineum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Ribes sanguineum var. sanguineum bloom?
Ribes sanguineum var. sanguineum blooms Apr-Jul.
What plant family does Ribes sanguineum var. sanguineum belong to?
Ribes sanguineum var. sanguineum is in the Grossulariaceae family, genus Ribes.
What habitat does Ribes sanguineum var. sanguineum grow in?
Ribes sanguineum var. sanguineum grows in Montane forests.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
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.