Thiessen Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Bob Gordon Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Thiessen Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Bob Gordon Elderberry

Amelanchier alnifolia Thiessen

Sambucus canadensis Bob Gordon

Thiessen Saskatoon (Serviceberry)
Bob Gordon Elderberry

Thiessen Saskatoon is a deciduous shrub that produces delicious edible fruit. It is one of the most productive saskatoon varieties. Its fruit is great in pies, preserves or eating fresh.

Thiessen Saskatoon is popular with U-Picks and home owners because of its taller tree-like shape and larger berries. But it is not the best choice for berry orchards as it is too tall for most mechanical harvesting equipment.

Bob Gordon Elderberry is a Black Elderberry cultivar that produces berries that are larger and sweeter than other varieties, making it one of the top cultivars. It produces large clusters of white flowers that turn into large clusters of dark purple to black berries. The berries are well-suited for baked goods, jams, jellies, and syrups. It was selected from the wild in Missouri.

The large berry clusters that the Bob Gordon Elderberry produces will often end up hanging downward. This makes it more difficult for birds to feed on the berries. If birds are a concern, this might be the right berry for you.

Black Elderberries are considered to be partially self-pollinating. So while they will still produce some berries without cross-pollination, planting with another variety will increase yields. Consider planting with Black Elderberry or Ranch Elderberry.

Warning: the seeds, stems, leaves, roots, and uncooked berries are toxic to humans when eaten in quantity. Berries should be cooked to make them safe for human consumption.

Thiessen Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Quick Facts

Bob Gordon Elderberry Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $6.99 - SAVE UP TO 36%
Lowest Price: $12.99 - SAVE UP TO 38%
Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 5 m (16 ft)
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: blue
Berries: black
Harvest: late summer to early fall
Flowers: fragrant, white
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: high




Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Other Names: alder-leaf shadbush, dwarf shadbush, pacific serviceberry, pigeon berry, western juneberry, western serviceberry
Other Names: bob gordon american elderberry, bob gordon black elderberry