Red-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) is one of the first native shrubs to bloom in Spring, usually appearing by mid-March. You may find it in all sections of the park. The flowers are red, pink or, rarely, white and it adapts well to garden conditions. Somewhat short-lived, it grows in sun or shade, reaching 5 to 8 feet in height or more.  In the wild it is a plant of coastal and westside forests, almost always in partial shade.

Contributed by Rachel Foster.