Then and Now – Red-Flowering Currant

Here is one of the early harbingers of spring in this area, the Red-Flowering Currant. It begins to burst forth with these bright blossoms as early as late March. These photos were taken in April and early May this year.

The blossoms are showy and attract hummingbirds and butterflies. These shrubs are a nice addition to a natural landscape and the Clallam County Conservation District sells them as part of their annual Native Plant Sale. Although they are reputed to have persistent berries, I haven’t noticed any in the many plants around the Dungeness Recreation Area. This is what a typical plant looks like now that fall has taken hold.

Some of the shrubs have a lot of bronze coloring, some are various shades of green, and some of them look battered and moth-eaten.