Sticky Currant: A Hardy Native Shrub for Western Gardens
If you’re looking to add a tough, low-maintenance native shrub to your western garden, meet the sticky currant (Ribes viscosissimum). This unassuming little powerhouse might not win any beauty contests, but it’s got character in spades and offers genuine value to both gardeners and local wildlife.
What Is Sticky Currant?
Sticky currant is a perennial shrub native to western North America. True to its name, this plant has distinctly sticky, aromatic foliage that you’ll definitely notice when you brush against it. The stickiness comes from tiny glandular hairs covering the leaves and stems, giving the plant its characteristic tacky feel and pungent scent.
Also known by its botanical name Ribes viscosissimum, this hardy shrub typically grows 3-4 feet tall and wide, making it a perfect mid-sized addition to native plant gardens and naturalized landscapes.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
This resilient native calls a vast swath of western North America home, thriving across twelve states and two Canadian provinces. You’ll find sticky currant growing wild from British Columbia down to California and Arizona, and eastward through the Rocky Mountains to Wyoming and Colorado. It’s particularly common in Alberta, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
Why Plant Sticky Currant in Your Garden?
While sticky currant might not be the showiest shrub on the block, it brings several compelling qualities to the garden:
- Exceptional hardiness: This tough customer can handle temperatures down to -37°F, making it suitable for USDA zones 3-8
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it requires minimal supplemental watering
- Wildlife value: The small white flowers attract native bees and other pollinators in late spring, while the dark berries provide food for birds
- Low maintenance: With a moderate growth rate and compact size, it won’t take over your garden
- Erosion control: Its root system helps stabilize soil on slopes
Garden Design Ideas
Sticky currant shines in naturalized settings where its unpretentious nature fits right in. Consider using it in:
- Native plant gardens as an understory shrub
- Wildlife habitat gardens to support local pollinators and birds
- Xeriscape designs where water conservation is key
- Woodland gardens for a natural, unstructured look
- Slope plantings where erosion control is needed
Growing Conditions
One of sticky currant’s best features is its adaptability. This shrub is quite accommodating when it comes to growing conditions:
- Soil: Prefers coarse to medium-textured soils; avoid heavy clay
- pH: Tolerates a wide range from 5.8 to 8.4
- Water: Moderate drought tolerance; can handle 14-86 inches of annual precipitation
- Sun exposure: Intolerant of deep shade but adaptable to various light conditions
- Temperature: Needs at least 88 frost-free days per year
Planting and Care Tips
Getting sticky currant established in your garden is refreshingly straightforward:
- Propagation: Best propagated by cuttings rather than seed
- Planting density: Space plants 6-8 feet apart (1,280-5,120 plants per acre for large plantings)
- Soil preparation: Ensure good drainage; amend heavy soils with coarse material
- Watering: Provide regular water the first year, then reduce as the plant establishes
- Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged wood in late winter
A Few Things to Consider
Before you fall head over heels for sticky currant, keep these points in mind:
- The sticky, aromatic foliage isn’t everyone’s cup of tea
- It’s not a long-lived shrub, with a relatively short lifespan
- The flowers and fruit aren’t particularly showy
- It has no fire resistance, so avoid planting in high-risk fire zones
The Bottom Line
Sticky currant may not be the flashiest shrub in the native plant world, but it’s a solid, dependable choice for western gardeners who value function alongside form. If you’re creating habitat for wildlife, need erosion control on a slope, or simply want a tough native shrub that won’t demand constant attention, sticky currant deserves serious consideration. Its unassuming nature and excellent adaptability make it a workhorse plant that quietly gets the job done while supporting local ecosystems.
