Ribes hudsonianum Ribes hudsonianum Ribes hudsonianum is a North American species of currant, known by the common name northern black currant. "Ribes hudsonianum" grows in moist wooded areas, such as mountain streambanks and in swamp thickets. They are upright to erect shrubs growing one half to 2 meters (20-80 inches) tall. They are aromatic, with a strong scent generally considered unpleasant. Stems are covered in shiny, yellow resin glands that lack spines or prickles. Leaves are up to 10 centimeters long, divided into three, or rarely five, sharp-toothed lobes, having long hairs on the undersides, studded with yellow glands. Inflorescences are erect,
Ribes sanguineum each flower is in diameter, with five red or pink petals. The fruit is a dark purple oval berry about long, edible but with an insipid taste. The Latin specific epithet "sanguineum" means “blood-red” "Ribes sanguineum" was introduced into cultivation by 19th century Scottish botanist David Douglas. It and its varieties and cultivars are popular garden shrubs, valued for their brightly colored and scented flowers in early spring, and birds and habitat support. Numerous cultivars have been selected with flowers ranging from white to dark red. The following cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit:- Ribes