February 2024–Ribes laurifolium
Latin Name: Ribes laurifolium
Common Name: Laurel-leaved currant
Family: Grossulariaceae
Type: Evergreen shrub
Origin: E. Asia – W. China
Locations at Bloedel Reserve: Buxton Bird Marsh & Pollinator Meadow
Garden Uses: Woodland Garden, Specimen
Fun Fact: Not only is this Ribes evergreen, but it also blooms several months before our native flowering currants. On this small shrub, you will find clusters of pendulous yellow/green flowers. The specific epithet, laurifolium, refers to the supposed resemblance of the leathery oblong leaves to those of laurels.
