J20151229-0041—Ribes malvaceum—RPBG

Ribes malvaceum—Chaparral currant. Ranges through the inner coast range from Tehama County south to Mount Diablo thence to Marin County and the outer coast ranges south to Baja California. There are also outliers in the central Sierra Nevada foothills. The flowers appear as early as October and the blooming season may last until June. Indeed, there are instances for the chaparral currant blooming the year around. The flowers are a source of nectar for hummingbirds during the California winter months. The thornless plants produce edible berries although only the quick will beat birds to the fruit. Photographed at Regional Parks Botanic Garden located in Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley, CA.

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