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Red Currant vs Western Snowberry
Ribes rubrum
Symphoricarpos occidentalis
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
Red Currant is a deciduous shrub native to western Europe. It features five-lobed, maple-like leaves, and bright red berries that can be used in jams, sauces, and fresh eating.
Although this shrub is self-fertile, it will be more productive if another pollinator is present. For year over year high yields, ensure you fertilize (bone meal), prune, and mulch your Red Currant shrub.
Note: This species is currently unavailable. Grow your own using Red Currant seeds at SeedTime.ca.
Like the Common Snowberry, the Western Snowberry is a small shrub with pink flowers useful for feeding livestock and preventing erosion. Unlike the common species, however, the Western Snowberry is much more suited to wet conditions, capable of persevering through poor soil drainage and occasional flooding.
After the Snowberry's flowers have bloomed, it produces berries which often last on the plant through winter. These berries are toxic to humans, but livestock and local wildlife love them! Those hoping to attract wildlife to their property can plant Snowberry and expect to see animals foraging on it much later in the year than other plants.
Red Currant Quick Facts
Western Snowberry Quick Facts
Toxicity: berries are toxic to humans