There are more than 100 different species of Ribes grown throughout the world and three native currants are found in our mountains. Golden currants have a soft golden-colored blossom that eventually changes to a rose color. The edible, sweet fruit varies in color from yellow to red or black. It is commonly found around streams and wet areas. The other two currant varieties have fruit, but they lack much flavor, he says.
Gooseberry currants have spines that make an intimate encounter very memorable.
The fruit even has small bristles. The Western black currant is a taller shrub with white flowers and black fruit. A number of different varieties of red currants can be grown for home use, he adds. There are even a couple of white varieties grown locally. Like most plants they prefer a well-drained, loamy soil, but tolerate heavier soils.