The Chaparral currant is a tough deciduous shrub that naturally occurs in coastal areas of California. It can grow 4-6 ft. tall and produces small clusters of fragrant rose colored flowers in the spring. Medium green leaves have rough surfaces, serrated margins and three lobes.
The Chaparral currant is a good understory plant around the Coast live oak in combination with coffeeberry, toyon, manzanita and ceanothus. It provides both nectar and edible berries for birds, as well as attractive flowering for garden value. A number of cultivars can be found from time to time, including: R. m. ‘Ortega Rose’ that produces light pink flowers, R. m. ‘Outback’ has deep pink flowers, and R. m. ‘Cristy Ridge’ grows white and soft pink colored flowers.
