Ribes speciosum

Habit: a spreading evergreen shrub, with prickly arching stems that have 3 long spines at each stem node. The shiny, dark green leaves are rounded, with 3 to 5 lobes. The bright red bell shaped flowers are pendulant and reminiscent of fuchsia flowers with stamens protruding twice as long as petals. The orange red fruit is covered with stiff glandular hairs and persists through the summer. Blooms between November and June.

Ecology: found from Central California into Mexico in coastal scrub or chaparral woodlands up to 1600 ft (500 m).

Growing Conditions: full sun to partial shade in well-drained, humus rich soil. Drought tolerant after a year of establishment.

Hummingbirds love Ribes speciosum and the density of the plant makes it a perfect bird shelter.