Description
The Crandall Clove Currant (Ribes odoratum ‘Crandall’) is a beloved North American heirloom shrub that bridges the gap between a showy ornamental and a productive fruit crop. Often called the “Missouri Currant,” this variety was selected in 1888 for its exceptionally large fruit and intoxicating fragrance. Unlike many other berry bushes that hide in the back of a garden, the Crandall is a “front-and-center” plant that offers sensory appeal throughout the seasons.
Key Characteristics
-
The Signature Scent: Its most famous attribute is the spicy, clove-like fragrance emitted by its flowers in mid-spring. The scent is powerful enough to drift across an entire yard.
-
Spring Blooms: The shrub produces clusters of bright, trumpet-shaped golden-yellow flowers with tiny red centers. These are a major draw for hummingbirds and early-season pollinators.
-
Summer Harvest: By July, the plant yields large, glossy, blue-black berries. Unlike the tart or “musky” flavor of European black currants, Crandall berries are sweeter and milder, often compared to a blend of grape, plum, and raisin.
-
Fall Interest: The lobed, maple-like green leaves turn a striking brilliant red or purple in the autumn, providing a final splash of color before winter.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.