Alberta · Shrub

Golden currant for birds in Alberta

Early yellow flowers for hummingbirds, then summer fruit. Native to Alberta, where it feeds or shelters 29 backyard bird species.

Scientific name: Ribes aureum
Native status: Native in Alberta
Hardiness zones: Canada 2a–4b
What birds get from it: fruit and berries, nectar
Alberta birds supported: 29
Nesting birds among them: 29

Growing conditions in Alberta

Continental — prairie in the southeast, aspen parkland in the center, boreal forest in the north and the Rockies in the west.

Warm, sunny summers with long days.

Alberta birds that use Golden currant

Nesting season it supports in Alberta

Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Golden currant:

Purple Finch — June–July
Ruby-throated Hummingbird — June–August
American Robin — May–July
White-throated Sparrow — June–July
Northern Flicker — May–June
Pileated Woodpecker — May–June
Baltimore Oriole — June–July
Rose-breasted Grosbeak — June–July
Gray Catbird — June–July
Brown Thrasher — May–July

Native plants to pair with Golden currant in Alberta

Oregon grape

Mahonia aquifolium · Shrub

Evergreen with yellow spring flowers and blue summer fruit.

Smooth sumac

Rhus glabra · Shrub

Red fruit heads hang on through winter.

Pin cherry

Prunus pensylvanica · Tree

Fast-growing northern cherry with midsummer fruit.

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana · Shrub

Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.

Red-osier dogwood

Cornus sericea · Shrub

White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.

Highbush cranberry

Viburnum trilobum · Shrub

Red fruit persists until late winter when other food is gone.

Frequently asked

Is Golden currant native to Alberta?

Yes. Golden currant (Ribes aureum) is recorded as native in Alberta. Alberta spans Canada 2a–4b.

What birds does Golden currant attract in Alberta?

In Alberta, Golden currant supports 29 backyard birds, including Purple Finch, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker.

Does Golden currant help nesting birds in Alberta?

29 of those birds nest in Alberta: Purple Finch (June–July), Ruby-throated Hummingbird (June–August), American Robin (May–July), White-throated Sparrow (June–July).

Sources

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.