Overview:
Ribes cereum Dougl. var. inebrians (Lindl.) C.L. Hitchc. is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Grossulariaceae family. It is widely distributed in the western United States, ranging from California to Montana and Wyoming. The plant is also commonly known as wax currant, red currant, and squaw currant.
Plant Description:
The plant grows up to 3 to 6 feet tall and spreads up to 6 to 8 feet wide. The shrub can be distinguished by its small and waxy leaves, which are green on the top and gray on the bottom. The flowers bloom from March to June and are known for their yellow-green color. The fruit produced by the plant is a small dark purple to black berry, which measures around 1/4 inch in diameter. The branches of the shrub are stiff with short, sharp spines.
Uses:
Ribes cereum Dougl. var. inebrians has been traditionally used by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes. It is known to have diuretic, laxative, and blood-purifying properties. The plant is also an important food source for wildlife and birds. The berries can be eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and pies.
The plant is used for re-vegetation projects in the western United States due to its ability to survive well in various soil types and water conditions. It also acts as an excellent hedge plant due to its dense foliage and sharp thorns.
Cultivation:
Ribes cereum Dougl. var. inebrians requires well-drained, loamy soil and full sun or partial shade. It is a drought-tolerant plant and can grow in areas with an average annual rainfall of 12 to 24 inches. The shrub is propagated by seeds or through root suckers and can be pruned to maintain its shape and size.
It is important to note that the consumption of Ribes cereum Dougl. var. inebrians berries can cause nausea and vomiting in large quantities. Therefore, it is best to consult a medical professional before using the plant for medicinal purposes.
Light Requirements
Ribes cereum Dougl. var. inebrians (Lindl.) C.L. Hitchc. prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but its growth will be slow, and it may produce fewer flowers and fruits. A site that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight is ideal for this plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to western North America and can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8. It prefers cool to cold temperatures and can survive in extreme cold. It can also tolerate high temperatures but needs some protection from the hot afternoon sun. An average temperature range of 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for the growth of Ribes cereum Dougl. var. inebrians.
Soil Requirements
Ribes cereum Dougl. var. inebrians (Lindl.) C.L. Hitchc. prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soil types like sandy, loamy, or clay soil. The soil pH range should be 5.0 to 7.5, which is mildly acidic to mildly alkaline. This plant is drought-tolerant but requires regular watering during its initial growth stage.
Cultivation Method for Ribes cereum Dougl. var. inebrians (Lindl.) C.L. Hitchc.
Ribes cereum Dougl. var. inebrians (Lindl.) C.L. Hitchc. commonly known as wax currant, is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil types including dry, rocky, and clay soils.
Propagation of the plant is usually done through seed sowing or stem cuttings. It's recommended to propagate during the fall and winter seasons to ensure the plant is well established before the spring growing season.
Watering Needs for Ribes cereum Dougl. var. inebrians (Lindl.) C.L. Hitchc.
Wax currant is a drought-tolerant plant and can survive prolonged periods without water. However, it's recommended to water the plant regularly during the first two years of growth to establish a healthy root system. Afterward, the plant only needs to be watered occasionally during the dry season.
It's important to ensure that the plant is not overwatered as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases that are detrimental to the plant's growth.
Fertilization for Ribes cereum Dougl. var. inebrians (Lindl.) C.L. Hitchc.
Wax currant requires minimal fertilization and can grow well without any added fertilizers. However, if you prefer to use fertilizer, it's recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer during the spring season to encourage healthy growth. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the fall season as this may promote new growth that may not survive the harsh winter weather.
Pruning for Ribes cereum Dougl. var. inebrians (Lindl.) C.L. Hitchc.
Pruning of the plant should be done during the early spring season before the new growth emerges. Pruning should be done selectively, removing any dead or diseased branches and shaping the plant to the desired form.
You should also remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other to prevent damage and promote healthy growth. Avoid excessive pruning as this may weaken the plant and reduce flower and fruit production.
Propagation of Ribes cereum Dougl. var. inebrians (Lindl.) C.L. Hitchc.
Ribes cereum Dougl. var. inebrians (Lindl.) C.L. Hitchc., commonly known as mountain pink currant, is a deciduous shrub native to western North America. Propagation of this plant can be achieved by using seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
The seeds of Ribes cereum var. inebrians can be collected from mature fruits in the fall and sown immediately in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not overly wet. The seeds will germinate in the spring and can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground once they reach a suitable size.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another viable option for Ribes cereum var. inebrians. Hardwood cuttings can be taken in the fall or winter, when the plant is dormant. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free branches and should be approximately six inches in length.
The bottom two inches of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be covered with a transparent plastic bag to maintain humidity and placed in a location with indirect sunlight. The soil should be kept moist, but not overly wet.
After several weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground once they reach a suitable size.
Disease and Pest Management for Ribes cereum Dougl. var. inebrians
Ribes cereum Dougl. var. inebrians (Lindl.) C.L. Hitchc., also known as wax currant, is a plant that is susceptible to certain diseases and pests. It is important to identify these diseases and pests and take measures to prevent and manage them.
Common Diseases of Ribes cereum Dougl. var. inebrians
The following are some of the common diseases that affect Ribes cereum Dougl. var. inebrians:
- Currant Blister Aphid: This is a common pest that feeds on the sap of the plant. It causes leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage this pest, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs
- Rust: This disease causes orange or yellow spots on leaves. It can be managed by cleaning up fallen leaves, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides.
- Mildew: This disease causes a powdery white substance to form on leaves. To manage this disease, you can prune affected areas, improve air circulation, and apply fungicides.
Common Pests of Ribes cereum Dougl. var. inebrians
The following are some of the common pests that affect Ribes cereum Dougl. var. inebrians:
- Spider Mites: These pests are tiny and difficult to see. They suck sap from the plant, causing yellow leaves. You can manage them by spraying the plant with water and increasing humidity around the plant.
- Leafhoppers: These pests feed on the sap of the plant and can transmit viruses. They cause leaves to turn yellow and stunt the growth of the plant. You can manage them by introducing natural predators like ladybugs or spraying the plant with insecticidal soap.
- Cutworms: These pests cut through the stems of young plants, causing them to wilt and die. You can manage them by placing collars around young plants or using biological insecticides.
It is important to regularly check and monitor your Ribes cereum Dougl. var. inebrians plant for any signs of disease or pest infestation. Using preventative measures such as maintaining good hygiene practices, providing adequate water and fertilization, and removing diseased plant parts can help to reduce the risk of issues developing.
