Songs of the Northwest Woods
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Wild Red Currant

Picture
Wild Red Currant
Wild Red Currant
Gangly, reaching

Clusters of deep pink blossoms

Growing, transforming

Becoming sharp red berries


Wild with the excitement of life



In some spots along the base of the woodlands lie the edible currants.  From May through June, the Wild Red Currant blossoms. The tasty red berries form after this season of reddish/purple flowers.  The berries cluster in round spheres which are about a half inch in diameter.  Some consider them sour and some think of them as exceptionally delicious.  If they appear in enough abundance, they can be gathered up readily. They make up well into jams and jellies.  Otherwise, if the picking is sparse, they may just be added as a garnish. 

The bushes stay low at about one meter in height.  The leaf resembles a maple leaf with five lobes.  However, rather than being smooth, the leaf has fine threads on its surface that gives it a texture.  Unlike many other berries, the currant branch does not carry thorns or prickles.  The currant does best in moist soil and is found usually in surrounding wetlands.  The bright red berries attract many animal feeders beyond the occasional human ones.

“As soon as I turned the key I saw it hanging, the color of fire and sunset. the colour of flamboyant flowers. ‘If you are buried under a flamboyant tree, ‘ I said, ‘your soul is lifted up when it flowers. Everyone wants that.”





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