Grossulariaceae - Botanical Family

Botanical name: Itea virginica

Common name: Virginia Sweetspire

Family: Grossulariaceae

Origin: Eastern America

In the wild this plant is found in wet areas, those rich, moist soils along stream banks; but it's very adaptable in the garden. In spring blooms with sweetly scented, pure white flowers that cover the entire plant. In fall the foliage is a bright red and is most striking when planted in groups. This shrub has a low-mounded shape and generally grows to 18-24" with a 3" spread. Long pendulous spikes of fragrant white flowers distinguishes this superior plant. Valuable low care mounding shrub for foundations and back of the shaded border. Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions.

Botanical name: Ribes viburnifolium

Common names: Catalina Currant, Island Gooseberry, Evergreen Currant

Family: Grossulariaceae

Origin: California

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Ribes viburnifolium, is an uncommon North American species in the gooseberry family.

Ribes viburnifolium is a perennial shrub which grows low to the ground, extending long reddish stems horizontally. It may be pruned to restrain its sprawling tendencies.

The leaves are dark green and shiny on their top surfaces, and lighter green or yellowish and leathery on the undersides. The leaves have glands which exude a sticky, citrus-scented sap.

Clusters of deep red flowers bloom in late winter and into early spring. The plant yields small red fruits later in the spring.