Prickly Currant Bush - Coprosma quadrifida (Morr) seeds

Coprosma quadrifida - Prickly Currant Bush
A dense, hardy shrub with sweet, juicy red berries, ideal for bush food gardens and wildlife habitats.

Quick Facts

• Height & Spread: Grows up to 3 meters tall, with a spreading habit.
• Fruits: Shiny red berries, 7 mm long and 5 mm wide, ripening in late summer to autumn; sweet and juicy with one or two seeds.
• Flowers: Small, inconspicuous greenish blooms in summer.
• Soil: Tolerates various soil types; prefers moist, well-drained locations.
• Position: Thrives in semi-shade; frost hardy and tolerant of salt.
• Habitat: Common in mountain gullies and slopes, from sea level to 800m in altitude.

Why Grow Coprosma quadrifida?

Prickly Currant Bush is an excellent choice for native gardens, offering ornamental appeal and practical uses. Its sweet berries are a valuable bush food, while its dense growth provides cover and habitat for wildlife. It’s a versatile shrub that thrives in protected, moist environments and tolerates a range of climates.

Bush Food Note

The berries of Prickly Currant Bush are delicious and versatile:

• Taste: Sweet and juicy, with a tangy flavor.
• Uses:
  • Eaten raw as a fresh snack.
  • Incorporated into jams, jellies, or smoothies for a unique taste.
• Harvest: Fruits ripen in late summer to autumn and are abundant.

How to Grow

1. Sowing Instructions:

   • Seeds may take 5+ months to germinate if untreated.
   • Stratification (chilling seeds for 2–4 weeks) significantly reduces germination time.

2. Position:

   • Plant in semi-shaded areas for optimal growth.
   • Prefers a moist, protected position; grows best in a group.

3. Care Tips:

   • Water regularly during establishment; drought-sensitive once mature.
   • Frost hardy, tolerates salt, and adapts well to various soil types.
   • Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Uses in Your Garden

• Bush Food Garden: Produces sweet, edible berries perfect for culinary exploration.
• Ornamental Value: Dense growth and glossy red fruits add visual interest to gardens.
• Wildlife Habitat: Provides food and shelter for birds and small animals.
• Erosion Control: Stabilizes soil in gullies and slopes with its spreading habit.

Germination Tips

• Timeframe: Untreated seeds may take over 5 months to germinate.
• Pre-Treatment: Chill seeds for 2–4 weeks to enhance germination success.
• Moisture: Keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.
• Light: Position seeds in semi-shade for optimal growth.

Order Now

Add the beauty and functionality of Coprosma quadrifida to your garden or restoration project. With its delicious berries, ecological benefits, and resilience, Prickly Currant Bush is an essential addition to any landscape.

Order your Prickly Currant Bush seeds today and grow a unique piece of Australia’s natural heritage!