Labrador Tea vs Bob Gordon Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Labrador Tea vs Bob Gordon Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis Bob Gordon

Rhododendron groenlandicum (Ledum groenlandicum)

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Bob Gordon Elderberry
Labrador Tea

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.

Labrador Tea is slow-growing evergreen shrub native to the boreal forests of Canada.

It thrives in wet, swampy conditions.

Labrador Tea has narrow, leathery, dark green leaves, topped by a cluster of white flowers in the spring. It is a perfect ornamental shrub for boggy, wet areas of your property.

Bob Gordon Elderberry Quick Facts

Labrador Tea Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: none

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

Toxicity: slightly toxic if ingested
Foliage: leathery, orange undersides, evergreen
Fall colour: rust orange
Flowers: fragrant, white
Flowers: white, fragrant
Berries: black
Harvest: late summer to early fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: bob gordon american elderberry, bob gordon black elderberry