Ninebark vs Bob Gordon Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Ninebark vs Bob Gordon Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis Bob Gordon

Physocarpus opulifolius

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

CUSTOM GROW

Bob Gordon Elderberry
Ninebark

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.

Ninebark is a small, multi-stemmed shrub, that is used to add texture or colour to any yard.

It features flaky, cinnamon-brown bark, attractive white flowers, and long, maple-like leaves.

Bob Gordon Elderberry Quick Facts

Ninebark Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: long
Suckering: high
Suckering: none

Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans

Flowers: fragrant, white
Flowers: small white clusters
Berries: black
Berries: small pink to purple berry like follicles
Harvest: late summer to early fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: bob gordon american elderberry, bob gordon black elderberry