Bob Gordon Elderberry

Bob Gordon Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) – a standout variety of American elderberry that brings exceptional flavor, impressive yields, and striking ornamental beauty to your garden or commercial planting. Discovered in the wild in Osceola, Missouri, in 1999 by its namesake, Bob Gordon, this elderberry cultivar has quickly risen to prominence as a top choice for home gardeners, homesteaders, and commercial growers alike. Renowned for its large, sweet berries and vigorous growth, the Bob Gordon Elderberry is a must-have for anyone seeking a hardy, productive, and versatile fruiting shrub.

Why Choose Bob Gordon Elderberry?

• Larger, sweeter berries – Up to 1/4 inch in diameter with exceptional flavor.
• High yields – Huge, evenly ripening clusters perfect for single harvests.
• Bird-resistant design – Downward-hanging fruit clusters protect your crop.
• Low maintenance – Fruits on new canes, allowing for annual pruning and regrowth.
• Hardy and resilient – Thrives in Zones 4-8 with some pest resistance.
• Versatile use – Ideal for syrups, jams, wines, and fresh eating.
• Ornamental beauty – Fragrant spring flowers and lush foliage enhance any landscape.

Exceptional Berry Size and Flavor

The Bob Gordon Elderberry sets itself apart with its oversized berries, measuring up to 1/4 inch in diameter – significantly larger than those of wild elderberries. These juicy, dark purple-black berries are not only bigger but also sweeter, boasting a rich, robust flavor that makes them perfect for a wide range of culinary uses. Whether you’re crafting homemade elderberry syrup, jams, jellies, pies, or even wine, the Bob Gordon delivers unparalleled taste and quality. With more than four times the antioxidant value of many other elderberry varieties, these berries are as nutritious as they are delicious, making them a powerhouse addition to your diet.

High Yields and Easy Harvesting

One of the standout features of the Bob Gordon Elderberry is its prolific production. This variety produces huge clusters of berries that ripen evenly, allowing for a single, efficient harvest – a trait that has made it the leading choice for commercial juice production. Unlike many elderberries, the Bob Gordon’s fruit clusters hang downward, facing the earth, which naturally deters birds from feasting on your crop. This pendulous growth habit, combined with the plant’s ability to bear fruit on new canes (primocanes), makes it a low-maintenance, high-reward option. For growers with a long season, the Bob Gordon can even be cut back to the ground in winter, regenerating vigorously to produce a bountiful harvest the following year on 5-6 foot tall plants – ideal for easy picking.

Vigorous Growth and Resilience

The Bob Gordon Elderberry is a vigorous and productive shrub, reaching heights of 6-8 feet and spreading just as wide, creating a stunning focal point in any landscape. Hardy in USDA Zones 4-8, this native Missouri variety thrives in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and adapts well to different soil types. It’s also notably resilient, showing some resistance to pests like the Japanese beetle – a common nuisance for other elderberry cultivars. With its fragrant, lacy white flower clusters blooming in spring, followed by the abundant berry harvest in mid-July, this elderberry offers year-round interest and utility.

Perfect for Home and Commercial Use

Whether you’re a backyard gardener looking to enhance your edible landscape or a commercial grower aiming to maximize yields, the Bob Gordon Elderberry is an excellent choice. Its combination of ornamental appeal, high productivity, and superior fruit quality has earned it praise from experts at the University of Missouri, where it was extensively tested and released. Pair it with another American elderberry variety, such as Wyldewood, for optimal cross-pollination and even greater yields. Available in a variety of quantities – this elderberry is ready to plant and thrive in your garden.

Medicinal and Nutritional Benefits

Beyond its culinary versatility, the Bob Gordon Elderberry is celebrated for its strongly antiviral properties, a trait long associated with elderberries. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and immune-boosting compounds, these berries are a natural choice for those seeking to harness the medicinal power of this ancient plant. From supporting immune health to combating colds and flu, the Bob Gordon Elderberry offers a delicious way to stay well year-round.

Planting and Care Tips

For best results, plant your Bob Gordon Elderberry with full sun exposure, though it tolerates partial shade. Space plants 6-10 feet apart to accommodate their mature size. Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system, then enjoy its drought-tolerant nature in subsequent seasons. Prune annually in late winter to encourage new growth and maintain shape, or mow to the ground for a simplified commercial approach. With minimal care, this elderberry will reward you with years of abundant harvests.

Elevate your garden and your pantry with the Bob Gordon Elderberry – a proven performer that combines beauty, bounty, and resilience in one remarkable package. Order yours today and experience the difference of this Missouri-born treasure!