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Elderberry 'Bob Gordon' (Sambucus canadensis)

Elderberry 'Bob Gordon' (Sambucus canadensis)

$22.00 CAD
$22.00 CAD
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Why We Grow It

We grow Bob Gordon for its impressive yields, heavy clusters, and reliability across a wide range of soils and climates. Its hybrid vigor produces strong canes and abundant fruit, while the pendant cluster habit greatly reduces bird losses — a major advantage for growers. With large berries, excellent processing quality, and consistent cold-climate performance, Bob Gordon is one of the top elderberry cultivars for both home orchards and small-scale commercial production.

How the Plant Grows

The coppice king! Elderberries grow rapidly, producing dense, bushy shrubs with pinnate green leaves. In late spring to early summer, they bloom with large, fragrant flower heads that attract bees and other pollinators. By late summer, these flowers develop into clusters of small, dark purple to black berries. Elderberries respond well to coppicing, which can rejuvenate older plants and provide a sustainable source of biomass. They thrive in moist, nutrient-rich soils but are remarkably adaptable, growing in a variety of conditions, including wet or marginal areas.

Plant Size

Size at Maturity- Shrub/Midstory Layer. Grows to 8-20 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide, with rapid annual growth

Current Size- Rooted cuttings. Cut back to fit into package. Up to 18" tall with robust roots.

Additional Info

Developed through University of Missouri elderberry breeding trials; hybrid ancestry includes improved canadensis lines; downward-facing clusters reduce bird damage and increase harvest efficiency; widely used in commercial elderberry plantings.

Elderberries are fast-growing, multi-functional shrubs that bring fast growing biodiversity, and utility to gardens and food forests. Known for their large, showy flower heads in summer and clusters of dark, flavorful berries in late summer to fall, elderberries are highly valued for their culinary and medicinal uses. These hardy plants thrive in a variety of climates and are a cornerstone for ecological and permaculture designs, offering benefits to both humans and wildlife.

Variety ' Bob Gordon'

Bob Gordon is a highly productive shrub selected from breeding work in Missouri that focused on combining the cold hardiness and adaptability of Sambucus canadensis with improved berry size, cluster weight, and uniformity. This cultivar is known for its exceptionally heavy, downward-facing fruit trusses — a unique trait that helps protect berries from bird pressure and reduces losses. Bob Gordon produces large, sweet-tart berries ideal for syrup, wine, juice, and medicinal extracts, and performs reliably in cooler northern climates with strong vigor and consistent yields.

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Plant Highlights

  • Water

    Prefers consistent moisture, especially during establishment and berry production, though it can tolerate occasional wet conditions

  • Pollination

    Partially self-fertile but benefits from cross-pollination between multiple varieties for improved fruit yield

  • Soil

    Thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soils but is adaptable to a range of soil types. Known to grow in poor soils as well.

  • Years to Bear

    Produces flowers and berries as early as 2-3 years after planting. Most of our rooted cuttings had flowers and fruit on them that we pull off.

  • Hardiness

    Zones 3-9, tolerating temperatures as low as -35°C (-31°F)

  • Solar

    Prefers full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade; best fruit production occurs in full sunlight.