[15] Although its conservation status is secure across the rest of its range, in Idaho it is critically imperiled and is found only rarely in Bonner, Kootenai, Benewah, and Adams counties.

[4][20] Red-flowering currant has been an invasive species in New Zealand since it was naturalized in 1904,[21] where it forms dense stands in shrublands and along waterways which crowd out native vegetation.

[23] R. sanguineum was introduced into cultivation in Britain in the fall of 1826 by Scottish botanist David Douglas, via seeds he had sent back during his explorations for the Royal Horticultural Society in the Pacific Northwest.

[24] The noted botanist and RHS member John Lindley remarked: ...of such importance do we consider [red-flowering currant] to the embellishment of our gardens, that if the expense incurred by the Horticultural Society in Mr. Douglas' voyage had been attended with no other result than the introduction of this species, there would have been no ground for dissatisfaction.

It remains a popular garden shrub, valued for its brightly colored and scented flowers in early spring, and birds and habitat support.

[7][6] Both indigenous and non-indigenous people use the berries for food, eating them fresh or dried or making them into jams, pies, juice, or syrup.