Prickly Blackcurrant (Ribes lacustre)

Family: Grossulariaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Ribes lacustre is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. Tart and very juicy. The fully ripe fruit has an agreeable flavour. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; Tart and very juicy.; The fully ripe fruit has an agreeable flavour.; When crushed the fruit has a foul odour but when eaten by the handful the odour is inoffensive (this sounds a bit strange!) and when cooked they make a good sauce.

Habitat & North American Range

Cold damp woods. Swamps and wet woods. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)