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// SPECIES PROFILE · SHRUB · NATIVE

Wax currant

Ribes cereum

Wax currant (Ribes cereum) is a shrub in the — family. Native range includes OK — verified against the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center native distribution database. Hardy in zones 2a–11a. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms Apr–Jul.

// QUICK FACTS
Family
—
Group
shrub
Native range
Native to 15 U.S. states, including AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, ND…
USDA hardiness
Zones 2a–11a
Mature size
29"–6'
Sun
Part shade
Water
Low · xeric
Bloom
Apr–Jul
Wildlife value
Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role
native species profile
Wax currant (Ribes cereum)
Ribes cereum — Wax currant. Photo by Stan Shebs via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Wax currant (Ribes cereum) is a shrub in the — family. Native range includes OK — verified against the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center native distribution database. Hardy in zones 2a–11a. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms Apr–Jul. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, wax currant pairs naturally with: Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra), Wild blue flax (Linum lewisii), Common elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis), White sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana ssp. ludoviciana).

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