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| Identification |  
| 
Genus 
Ribes
Species 
nigrum
Variety 
Cultivar 
Common names 
European black currant
Family 
GROSSULARIACEAE
Specimen number 
S10347
Data source 
MedPl p260;Frgnt p266;UnFruit pp101-112
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| Life cycle |  
| 
Life form 
Terrestrial
Life cycle 
Woody perennial
Life span 
5 - 20 years
Annual cycle 
Deciduous
Stature 
Shrub
Growth form 
Various
Growth habit 
Not applicable
Overall height 
 
Overall spread 
 
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| Climate |  
| 
Sunshine 
Various
Water 
Various
Optimal soil texture 
Various
Acceptable soil pH 
Various
USDA hardiness 
USDA zones 01-04b
AHS heat zones 
Not classified
Sunset climate zones 
Not classified
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| Garden |  
| 
Suitable for gardens 
no
Nursery 
Unknown
Compost 
no
Size at acquisition 
Unknown
Garden location 
Unknown
Garden notes 
The leaves of Ribes nigrum have a strong rank smelling smell.    European black currant can survive the coldest of winter climates with annual temperatures as low as below -50� Fahrenheit.      
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| Special qualities |  
| 
Tolerates drought 
no
Tolerates high humidity 
no
Tolerates seaside conditions 
no
Insect resistant 
no
Disease resistant 
no
Deer resistant 
no
Best uses 
 
Symbiosis 
Attracts butterflies 
no
Attracts hummingbirds 
no
Autumn foliage 
no
Colorful berries 
no
Desirable qualities 
 
Other interest 
 
Other interest color 
Other interest period 
 
 |   
  
| Adverse factors |  
| 
Common pests 
Poisonous parts 
Poisonous indications 
Internal poison 
no
Dermatologic poison 
no
Livestock poison 
no
Mechanical injury 
no
Hay fever pollen 
 
Hay fever season 
 
Adverse qualities 
 
 |   
  
| Herbal medicine |  
| 
Medicinal properties 
diuretic  
adrenal stimulant  
antiscorbutic
Medicinal parts 
Leaves  
Berries
Has medicinal uses 
yes
Do not self-administer 
no
Do no use if pregnant 
no
Legally restricted 
no
Toxicity precautions 
Medicinal notes 
It is small and black with a pungent sweetness and a strong resinous flavor.  Its nutritional value includes vitamin C.  As a food source, Ribes nigrum is often used as juice, in sweets and in jelly.  European black currant is a good source for the production of alcohol.  This plant is most commonly used fresh.    This species is considered by some to be an herbal remedy.  It's used as a diuretic, an adrenal stimulant or an antiscorbutic.  The leaves and the berries are used in herbal preparations.      
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| Traditional uses |  
| 
Parts used 
Traditional uses 
Contemporary uses 
Fragrance 
foul odor
Fragrance parts 
Leaves
Fragrance intensity 
Strong
Fragrance category 
Rank
Dye parts 
Dye color 
 |   
  
| Cultivation |  
| 
Propagule 
Various
Pollination method 
Self fertile
Planting style 
Bush
Crop spacing 
 
Row spacing 
 
Cold frame 
Planting period 
 
Harvesting period 
Jul 01 - Aug 31
Frost tolerance 
 
Heat requirement 
 
Fertilizer 
Typical
Time to harvest 
 |   
  
| Nutrition |  
| 
Is edible 
yes
Culinary uses 
Fresh  
Juice  
Sweets  
Jelly  
Alcohol
Nutritional value 
Vitamin C
Edible parts 
Berries
Description of edible parts
Flavor / texture 
small and black with a pungent sweetness and a strong resinous flavor
 |   
  
| Horticulture |  
| 
Horticulture notes 
No special fertilization is necessary for Ribes nigrum to produce fruit.  Harvest time is July and August.      
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| Herbarium |  
| 
Tag needs printing 
no
Collection notes 
Ribes nigrum is a woody perennial.  European black currant is deciduous in nature.      
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