Western Chokecherry vs Bob Gordon Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Western Chokecherry vs Bob Gordon Elderberry

Prunus virginiana var. demissa

Sambucus canadensis Bob Gordon

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Western Chokecherry
Bob Gordon Elderberry

Western Chokecherry is a shrub or small tree commonly used for farmstead and field windbreaks.

It produces white flowers in the spring and edible dark purple fruit that matures between September and October. Its cherries are great for making for making jams, jellies or wine, but are not very palatable for raw eating.

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.

Western Chokecherry Quick Facts

Bob Gordon Elderberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: high

Toxicity: toxic to horses, cattle, etc.)

Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Fall colour: reddish-purple
Flowers: fragrant, white
Berries: edible, astringent, red-purple
Berries: black
Harvest: late summer to early fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: bitter-berry, chokecherry, common chokecherry, virginia bird berry
Other Names: bob gordon american elderberry, bob gordon black elderberry