Ribes odoratum

Common name: clove currant

Type:: Deciduous shrub
USDA hardiness zones:: 4-8

Clove currant is a Missouri native shrub which is most commonly found on limestone bluffs along the Current and White Rivers in southern Missouri. It is a thornless, loosely-branched, irregularly-shaped, deciduous shrub which grows 6-8' tall and spreads by suckers. Ovate to rounded, medium to bluish-green, 3-5 lobed leaves turn dull yellow in fall. Golden yellow flowers appear in racemes in spring and emit a strong, clove-like fragrance (hence the species name of odoratum). A dioecious shrub which requires both male and female plants for fruit production. Fruit is an edible, black berry which can be used in jellies, preserves and pies.

Full sun to part shade
Medium
Low

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers humusy soils. Will spread by suckers to form clumps or colonies if suckers are not removed.