[5] The leaves are 1.5–4 centimetres (1⁄2–1+1⁄2 in) long,[5] green, semi-leathery,[6] with 3 or 5 lobes; they turn red in autumn.

[7] The plant blooms in spring with racemes of conspicuous golden yellow flowers, often with a pronounced, spicy fragrance similar to that of cloves or vanilla.

[9] The species belongs to the subgenus Ribes, which contains other currants such as the blackcurrant (R. nigrum) and redcurrant (R. rubrum), and is the sole member of the section Symphocalyx.

[15] This currant species is susceptible to white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola), a fungus which attacks and kills pines, so it is sometimes eradicated from forested areas where the fungus is active to prevent its spread.

[8][7] The berries were used for food, and other plant parts for medicine, by various Native American groups across its range in North America.