Canadian Buffaloberry vs Bob Gordon Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Canadian Buffaloberry vs Bob Gordon Elderberry

Shepherdia canadensis

Sambucus canadensis Bob Gordon

Canadian Buffaloberry
Bob Gordon Elderberry

Canadian Buffalo Berry is a native deciduous shrub found throughout North America. This hardy, medium-sized shrub will tolerate poor soil conditions and produces attractive, edible–though very bitter–red fruit.

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.

Canadian Buffaloberry Quick Facts

Bob Gordon Elderberry Quick Facts

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Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: red bitter berries (edible)
Berries: black
Harvest: late summer to early fall
Flowers: tiny, red
Flowers: fragrant, white
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: high




Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Other Names: canada buffalo berry, canada buffaloberry, canadian buffaloberry, foam berry, foamberry, russet buffaloberry, soap berry, soapberry, soopolallie
Other Names: bob gordon american elderberry, bob gordon black elderberry