Click to read about the Ribes genus.

   To red flowering Ribes.  To yellow flowering Ribes..

Montane, subalpine. Woodlands, streamsides. Spring.
Above and left: Lizard Head Trail, June 22, 2015, June 9, 2006, and July 11, 2008.

Ribes wolfii is common to abundant in relatively moist subalpine forests and is often seen along trails through Aspens and Engelmann Spruce.  Its handsome leaves resemble lobed miniature maple leaves.  R. wolfii grows from four to six feet tall and wide, has gray bark, and its branches have no thorns. Ribes wolfii often spreads a mat of gray branches horizontally and close to the ground.

Tiny, but very obvious sprays of white flowers protrude from stem tips but unfortunately most often do not produce fruit.  The rare berries that one does find are black and minutely hairy.  One frequently sees R. wolfii in the company of R. inerme  and R. montigenum. 

John Wolf was a respected 19th century plant collector.  (More biographical information about Wolf.)

Montane, subalpine. Woodlands, streamsides. Spring.
Horse Creek Trail, June 19, 2004.

Montane, subalpine. Woodlands, streamsides. Spring.
Lake Hope Trail, July 15, 2008.

Ribes wolfii ripening berries eventually turn dark blue  --  and bitter.

Range map © John Kartesz,
Floristic Synthesis of North America

State Color Key

Species present in state and native
Species present in state and exotic
Species not present in state

County Color Key

Species present and not rare
Species present and rare
Species extirpated (historic)
Species extinct
Species noxious
Species exotic and present
Native species, but adventive in state
Eradicated
Questionable presence

Range map for Ribes wolfii