Ribes malvaceum is a perennial shrub that typically grows to 1.5–3 metres (5–10 ft) tall.

[1] It lacks the characteristic nodal spines which are demonstrated on the stems of many other members in the genus.

[2][3] Inflorescences are 10–25 flowered and open, occurring October to April in native range.

The fruit is 6–7 mm, glandular and covered by white hairs,[2] with a bland but palatable taste.

[3] There are several varieties of R. malvaceum: It is native to California and northern Baja California, where it occurs from sea level to 1,500 m (4,900 ft), in chaparral, foothill oak woodland, and closed-cone pine forest habitats.