UK Flowers: Herbs, Shrubs, Vines & Trees
UK Flowers

UK Flowering CurrantAlso known as: Red Flowering Currant

Shrub Icon Cultivated Flower     Edible Symbol  Mildly Toxic
Image of Flowering Currant
Ribes sanguineum
Family: Grossulariaceae

Flower Properties

Property Value
English Name Flowering Currant
Also Known As Red Flowering Currant
Scientific Name Ribes sanguineum
MainColor Red
PlantType Shrub Icon Shrub
Distribution Cultivated Flower Cultivated
Season Found April (Mar - May)
ImageUrl Ribes-001
Photographer DP
Location Found St Albans
Country Found UK
Last Updated 05 September 2026
Photo Quality B

Flower Details

Description

Flowering Currant is a deciduous shrub with striking drooping clusters of pink to red flowers that bloom in early spring. The leaves are lobed and aromatic when crushed, adding to its ornamental appeal. It typically grows to a height of 1.5–2.5 metres.

Distribution

Native to western North America, particularly from British Columbia to California, it is also widely cultivated in gardens across Europe.

Medicinal/Other Uses

— No significant medicinal uses.

Edibility Edible Symbol  

Caution Advised - the berries are edible but not particularly palatable and may cause mild stomach upset if consumed in large quantities.

Human Toxicity Mildly Toxic
Mildly Toxic Mildly_Toxic

Mildly Toxic - ingestion of large amounts of berries may cause stomach upset.

Pet Toxicity Pet Toxicity

Non Toxic to dogs and cats - generally considered safe for pets.

Active Compounds

Isoquercitrin, Rutin, Anthocyanins.

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