Clove Currant (Golden)

Golden currant—commonly referred to as clove currant—is an edible currant grown for both fragrance and fruit. In spring, it produces clusters of yellow flowers with a pronounced clove-like scent. Those flowers mature into edible berries later in the season that are aromatic and best suited to culinary use. Clove currants (Ribes aureum) are sometimes misunderstood because the word “golden” refers to the flower color, not the fruit. Within this group, berries may ripen yellow, red, or dark purple-black depending on the selection. Crandall and Missouri Giant are dark-fruited examples, while other selections may produce red or yellow fruit. As a group, clove currants are valued for adaptability, fragrance, and a shrub habit that performs well with minimal intervention.

Compared to black currants, they are generally more tolerant of heat, humidity, and variable soils. Fruit is aromatic and complex rather than dessert-sweet, making these plants especially well suited to preserves, syrups, sauces, and infusions. Golden currant is often planted as a dual-purpose shrub—useful for pollinator support and spring interest, with the added benefit of a usable summer harvest.

Overview

• Golden (clove) currant with intensely fragrant spring bloom
• Edible currants with aromatic, culinary character
• Fruit color varies by selection
• More adaptable than traditional black currants
• Well suited to low-input landscapes and mixed plantings

Growing Details

Latin Name: Ribes aureum
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; adaptable to most well-drained soils
Hardiness: USDA Zone 3–8
Rootstock: Grafted
Bearing Age: 1–2 years
Size at Maturity: Typically 5–7 ft tall and wide
Bloom Time: Spring
Ripening Time: Mid to late summer (varies by region)
Pollination: Generally self-fertile; yields may improve with another clove currant planted within 20–30 ft
Pests & Diseases: Generally low; good airflow and drainage support best health
Yield: Moderate once established

Additional Notes

• Grower’s Insight: “Golden currant” refers to the flower color, not the fruit. Berry color varies by selection and can be yellow, red, or dark, even within the same species.
• Regional Insight: Golden (clove) currants perform well across the Midwest, Plains, Intermountain West, and much of the Pacific Northwest, where their adaptability often exceeds that of black currants.
• Fruit is best suited to preserves, syrups, sauces, and infusions rather than fresh eating.
• Explore more currants in our collection: Currants