Ribes bracteosum, the stink currant is a iridescent green, deciduous shrub. Its leaves are a large maple-like shape, with a hairy to smooth texture along its lower side. The stink currants flowers are a cluster of white and brownish-purple hues, which later blossom into blue-black berries accompanied by a white bloom. One of the stink currants unique features is its peculiar sweet-skunky smell, which is strongest when crushed. Hence the name “Stink currant." (Pojar, 86 )

The dark blue fruit has been described as unpleasant, mealy textured and bitter, but also rather delicious. Native tribes, such as Nuxalk, believe the plant to be constipating and consume stink currant berries, often with oil or grease. Stink currant leaves, bark, roots, berries and stems are used to make a variety of natural medicines such as laxatives, and can treat certain skin conditions and colds. Songbirds, chipmunks, and ground squirrels will also eat the bitter berries, as well as butterflies will eat its viridescent foliage. The berries are also frequently utilized for making excellent jam, pies, an assortment of different preservatives, and can be stored for winter dining. (Turner,  98)

The stink currant grows in damp to wet environments such as woods, forests, thickets, and floodplains. This plant ranges across the American west coast, mostly on the west of the cascades, and also appears in southern Alaska and British Columbia. (Pojar, 86) 

This thorny shrub thrives in partly shady areas. It needs moist and well drained soil to grow to its regular height, which is typically 2.5m long. Each individual plant should be planted at least 3 feet apart for the best growing conditions. It should fruit 1 to 3 years after planting. Without regular pruning, the thorny plant will create dense and tedious thickets. After a deciduous winter, the stink currant blooms in May, but fully ripens in early September. The stink currant is usually easier to harvest than most other flowering currants. It typically blooms in a white, green or brown color.

 ("Ribes bracteosum")