Wax currant highly adaptable shrub for sunny and fairly dry sites (unlike prickly and northern black currants, which prefer moist streamside habitats). It also does well in partial shade (such as the bright open understory of dry ponderosa/doug fir forest). I've found it growing on parched rocky ridges and in mature forest, and I'd say it's easily one of our most versatile shrubs.
 
 It sports inumberable small lobed leaves and grows into a round, full shape. The flowers are small but highly sought out by early season bees. The flowers are either white or pink. Populations in our area exhibit both colorations, and I'm not sure if it's genetic, a response to local conditions, or both.  Late summer brings a profusion of bright red-orange berries that are quickly snapped up by birds.
 
Around here you're especially likely to find it flourishing in previously burned forests, where it provides shelter and food for a wide range of wildlife. Deer tend to avoid this shrub (other than a nibble here and there) which is notable because currants tend to be a deer favorite. The leaves have a slight minty odor and I suspect whatever oils they contain must not taste very good.
 
 It is very drought tolerant, but it can be a slow grower. Extra water for the first few seasons will give it the boost it needs to reach a mature size.