Bob Gordon American Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis ‘Bob Gordon’
Other Common Names: Common Elderberry, Black Elder, Black Elderberry, Common Elder, Elderberry, Tapiro, Sauco
NOTE: As with all of our other plants and trees, all of our fruit plants are grown in containers outdoors so they are fully rooted and landscape-ready upon arrival.
Plant Details
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 3a-9b Find Your Zone
Ripens: Late Summer
Pollinators: Any other variety of Elderberry
Height at Maturity: 6-8′
Width at Maturity: 6-8′
Spacing: 6 feet for solid hedge; 15’+ for space between plants
Fruit Color: Deep Purple-Blue to Black
Fruit Flavor: Sweet
Fruit Size: Small in large clusters
Sun Needs: Full Sun or Mostly Sun, Light Shade
Water Needs: Average
Soil Type: Rich in organic matter
Drainage/Soil Moisture: Moist But Well Drained
Soil pH: 5.5-7.0 (Acid to Neutral)
Description
The Bob Gordon Elderberry is a beautiful and vigorous native American flowering and edible fruiting shrub that will grow almost anywhere in the United States. It has pinnately compound leaves on gracefully arching branches that support abundant flat-topped clusters of pretty white flowers during summer. The flowers retain their beauty as they turn golden brown and are followed by abundant large clusters of sweeter and larger (1/4″) dark purple-black berries that are well known for being high in nutrients and antioxidants. The berries contain more than four times the antioxidant value of cherries. Though the berries aren’t good for fresh eating, they are excellent for use in making pie, jam, syrup and Elderberry wine. While a vigorous grower, Bob Gordon Elderberry responds well to pruning for size control or shaping purposes. Easily maintained and trouble free, a remarkable, useful, and beautiful plant that deserves a spot in every garden!
Though partially self-fertile, Bob Gordon Elderberry will benefit by producing more berries from a pollinator, which can be any other variety of Elderberry.
NOTE: As with all of our other plants and trees, all of our fruit plants are grown in containers outdoors so they are fully rooted and landscape-ready upon arrival.
Landscape & Garden Uses
Growing 6 to 8 feet in height and equally as wide if left unpruned, the Bob Gordon American Elderberry is ideal for use along sunny to partially shaded woodland borders and other natural areas. With annual pruning done in late winter it forms a dense shrub suitable for landscape borders. A fine addition to the edible landscape, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens and white or black theme gardens.
Growing Preferences
American Elderberry plants grow best in an acidic, organically rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerates periodically wet soils. The more sun the better for best berry production.
Helpful Articles
Click on the Planting & Care Advice tab for helpful Elderberry growing tips from our experts.
Plant Long & Prosper!
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