Golden Currant is a tough and beautiful deciduous shrub native to large areas of the arid west. In our area its closest native habitat is in the eastern Columbia River Gorge. A vertical shrub with fantastic glabrous (rubbery texture) tri- lobed leaves that flutter in the wind much like Quaking Aspen. In mid spring a pretty display of bright yellow flowers with a small red corolla in bunches all over the plant. Fast growin to 6′ tall by 4 ‘wide in full sun and any decently draining soil. Established shrubs can get by on natural rainfall alone. Very pretty hedgerow plant or specimen. Loved by birds. In summer bright red edible fruits decorate the stems, mostly eaten by wildlife. In well drained soils this native shrub can handle summer irrigation. Full sun to very light shade, If you want more fruit set plant two or more plants to increase pollination. Very easy to grow and long lived. Avoid planting near 5 needle pines. Fall color ranges from yellow to tints of orange. Blooms on wood from the previous season, prune if needed after flowering. Oregon native plant.
