Both shrubs with sweet smelling flowers can be be found either very close to or within city boundaries. Anyone who has walked the trails at Elizabeth Lake in the last week will have noticed the powerful clove scented Ribes odoratum or Buffalo Berry or Currant which is located not far from the tourist booth. This shrub produces sweet black currants or berries in the fall. The much more common Antelope Bush, Purshia tridendata, is blooming prolifically in the area this year and although not as perfumed, still has a mildly sweet scent. Its seeds are a favourite for deer.
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| Antelope Bush, Purshia tridentata (three toothed leaf) |
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| Antelope Bush |
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| Buffalo Berry, Ribes odoratum (very aromatic) |
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| Buffalo Berry |
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| Buffalo Berry |
I realize that common names can vary greatly by region, but... That is a currant bush. Buffalo Berry is something entirely different. But thanks for the misinformation, love that.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct the lower photos are of a currant - Ribes odoratum. Unfortunately it is also commonly called Buffalo berry or Buffalo currant in some circles. Buffalo berry or Sheperdia canadensis is what is most commonly called Buffalo berry. Gotta know your latin to be precise! As you elude to, common names can cause problems. The purpose of this article was to show the difference between Ribes odoratum and Purshia tridenta.
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