Virginia Tech Dendrology

golden currant Grossulariaceae Ribes aureum Pursh symbol: RIAU
Leaf: Alternate, simple, deciduous, distinctly 3 lobed with a few coarse teeth near ends of lobes, 1 to 2 inches long, somewhat thickened, glossy green above, paler below.
Flower: Species is monoecious; yellow, tubular showy flowers, borne in spring, hanging clusters several inches long, clove-like fragrance.
Fruit: Glossy black (sometimes yellow to orange), round, 1/3 inch berries in a hanging cluster, resin dotted, ripen in mid summer to late summer.
Twig: Moderately stout, stiff, red-gray, no spines; reddish brown, pointed buds.
Bark: Dark silvery gray with numerous raised lenticels.
Form: An erect wide spreading shrub up to 8 feet tall.
Looks like: sticky currant - mapleleaf currant - wax currant - red-flowering currant

Additional Range Information: Ribes aureum is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. Download the full-size PDF map.
External Links: USDAFS FEIS Silvics - USDA Plants Database
All material 2025 Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation; Photos and text by: John Seiler, Edward Jensen, Alex Niemiera, and John Peterson; Silvics reprinted from Ag Handbook 654; range map source information