[lo_zamoyski]

Apparently this is no longer much of an issue. Quoting [0]:

"The federal ban was lifted in 1966, though many states maintained their own bans. Research showed that blackcurrants could be safely grown some distance from white pines and this, together with the development of rust-immune varieties and new fungicides, led to most states lifting their bans by 2003. Blackcurrants are now grown commercially in the Northeastern United States and the Pacific Northwest. Because of the long period of restrictions, blackcurrants are not popular in the United States, and one researcher has estimated that only 0.1% of Americans have eaten one. [...] By 2003 restrictions on Ribes cultivation had been lifted across most of the states, though some bans remain, particularly on the blackcurrant. State laws are enforced with varying degrees of efficiency and enthusiasm; in some states, officials effectively ignore the ban."

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackcurrant_production_in_the...

[genewitch]

they're also available at a local walmart as rootstock. I bought one. If i find a nursery that has it i will buy more, but i like growing "weird" plants that no one has heard of, like soapberries, kumquats, that sort of thing.

[ChoGGi]

Can I recommend Saskatoon berries; they've a nice nutty taste, great for jam, and dog safe.

[SEJeff]

Lookup beauty berries. Their fruit is edible and makes a nice jam. True to their name, they’re beautiful when fruiting.

[pvaldes]

Birds have their own plans for the Callicarpa berries, but are excellent plants for dry shadow. And leaves take a rare true-pink tone in fall.

[genewitch]

those grow wild all over the land here, i just found out what they were called last year; although i had heard they're not edible but to leave them for birds. I'll ask the Ag Center if they're safe to eat.

[SEJeff]

Please do ask your AG center, but they’ll tell you they’re safe to eat. I make a jam of sorts with the berries. They’re not real sweet but are totally edible