This is a possible native shrub but by far the commonest origin of the ones you find will be someone's garden or allotment. The flowers aren't very obvious but the spines are and this characteristic makes this Ribes very different from the equally common Red Currant or Black currant.

Ribes uva-crispa is found all over the British Isles except for the highest ground. In Ireland it is commonest in the north.

Cheshire Lane, 2nd April 2005

Added on 3rd April 2005, updated November 17th 2011