It is endemic to southern California, at elevations between 1,500–1,800 metres (4,900–5,900 ft).

[2][3] Ribes tularense is known from only about ten populations in the forests of the High Sierra Nevada.

[4][3] The species is closely related to Ribes binominatum.

[2] Ribes tularense is a low, spiny shrub rarely more than 50 cm (20 inches) tall, often trailing.

The flowers are greenish white and the fruits are yellow and bristly.