Britannica AI Icon

alpine currant

shrub
Also known as: Ribes alpinum

Quick Summary

The alpine currant (Ribes alpinum) is a dense, spreading European shrub often used for ornamental purposes or as a hedge, particularly in shady areas. It belongs to the genus Ribes, which includes both currants and gooseberries. These shrubs are native to temperate climates in the Northern Hemisphere and western South America. Currant plants generally have palmate leaves and produce clusters of flowers that can range in color. Their fruits are true berries. While some Ribes species are cultivated for their edible berries, the alpine currant is primarily valued for its ornamental qualities.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
3 Britannica Sources
  1. alpine currant
  2. currant
  3. ribes

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.