Useful Nova Scotia Plants

Plants

Wild Red Currant

Common name

Wild Red Currant

Latin name

Ribes triste

Characters

Another shrub, but this species is more sprawling and reclining. Its stems are not bristly although they and the leaves may be slightly hairy. The leaves are toothed and lobed, but shallowly. The purple flowers are borne on pedicels bearing reddish glands. Fruits are red.

Habit

Shrub

Edible Portion

Fruit

Habitat

Deep leaf mould in shady ravines, stream sides or in fertile forested sites

Geography

Uncommon and northern: Digby and Cumberland counties to northern Cape Breton

Used For

Used as currants.
Photo: Sean Blaney