Golden currant is a small, drought tolerant shrub native to western North America; it has also become naturalized across most of the U.S., excluding the Southeastern States. Its loosely-branching, woody stems bear lobular, maple-like leaves; in early-mid spring (depending on elevation and latitude), clusters of fragrant, tubular yellow flowers appear, attracting hummingbirds, orioles and a variety of pollinating insects (including monarch butterflies).
On our Littleton farm, we have several patches of golden current; favoring partial shade, they mingle with chokecherry, lilacs and other shrubs in our woodland borders. Blooming over the past week, the flowers will yield small blue-black berries by early-mid summer, consumed by a host of songbirds and small mammals; humans also enjoy currant berries, using them to make jams and jellies.
Like most plants on our farm, these natives require no irrigation or maintenance. Better yet, they more than compensate for the space they occupy, offering beauty and attracting many wild visitors. Over time, those visitors will return the favor, spreading the plant's seeds to other areas of the property.
On our Littleton farm, we have several patches of golden current; favoring partial shade, they mingle with chokecherry, lilacs and other shrubs in our woodland borders. Blooming over the past week, the flowers will yield small blue-black berries by early-mid summer, consumed by a host of songbirds and small mammals; humans also enjoy currant berries, using them to make jams and jellies.
Like most plants on our farm, these natives require no irrigation or maintenance. Better yet, they more than compensate for the space they occupy, offering beauty and attracting many wild visitors. Over time, those visitors will return the favor, spreading the plant's seeds to other areas of the property.
