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Wax Currant
Ribes cereum
In the United States:
Native
· also called wax currant, western red currant
Honeybees visit wax currant for its accessible early-season nectar and pollen, supporting emerging colonies when other sources are scarce. Peak bloom occurs in April to June, providing a reliable spring forage window. This low-maintenance deciduous shrub thrives in dry, rocky soils but serves as an alternate host for white pine blister rust in some regions.
| Nectar | medium |
|---|---|
| Pollen | medium |
| Bloom (US) | April–June |
| Hardiness zones | 4-8 |
| Duration | ~2 weeks |
| Type | Perennial |
| Sun | partial |