PLANT OF THE MONTH

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.