Fruits

Ribes alpinum

Alpine currant

A compact, dense deciduous shrub commonly used for hedging rather than fruit production. Female plants may form scarlet berries, but many nursery plants are male clones.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Mature size: 3–6 ft. tall × 4–7 ft. wide
Water: Average, moist, well-drained soil; somewhat drought tolerant once established.
Hardiness: USDA zones 2–7

Sizes & prices

#1Call for price

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

Ask about this plant

Select a section to expand.

Keep in mind: This is an ornamental shrub placed in the source fruit department; its berries are not an edible crop.

Fruit & harvest

Pollination: Male and female flowers are on separate plants. Female plants can bear ornamental berries; many nursery selections are male.

Growing & care

Use: Ornamental hedge
Care & pruning: Prune after new growth for a tidy hedge, or thin older stems to renew an informal shrub. Do not select it as an edible-currant crop.
Fruit use: Grown as a landscape shrub, not an edible fruit crop; its ornamental berries are enjoyed by birds.

Sources & photo credits

Missouri Botanical Garden

NC State Extension

Photo: Manfred Schulenburg (image resized for display) · CC BY-SA 4.0

Reviewed October 1, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.