Golden Currant (Ribes aureum)
The Golden Currant is a scrumptious breakfast for bugs and birds waking up from a long winter nap! Its bright yellow flowers look like tiny trumpets and smell like spicy cloves.
These flowers are especially helpful for queen bumble bees. Every spring, a queen wakes up all by herself, hungry and ready to build a brand-new home for her family. The sweet nectar from the Golden Currant gives her the energy she needs to get to work!
These early-bird bees are brave, too. While honey bees are still tucked away, queen bumble bees will fly out to find these flowers—even on chilly 50°F desert spring mornings.
POLLINATORS:
Explore more High Desert Helpers and uncover fascinating fun facts!
Bees & Flies
Butterflies & Moths
Hummingbirds
Bees & Flies
Butterflies & Moths
Hummingbirds
High Desert Helpers is sponsored through the Trails+ Grant Program by the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division.
