Borealis Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Bob Gordon Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Borealis Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Bob Gordon Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis Bob Gordon

Lonicera caerulea Borealis

Bob Gordon Elderberry
Borealis Haskap (Honeyberry)

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.

Borealis Haskap is a popular variety due to its great-tasting, sweet-tart berries. The flavour of Haskaps is generally described as a cross between a blueberry and a raspberry. Borealis Haskaps are well suited to fresh eating, baking, and preserves.

It has strong fruit holds and is not very firm so it does not do well when handled by equipment. This variety is a favourite for home gardens and U-Picks.

For optimal fruit production, cross-pollination is required. Haskaps need to be planted with a compatible variety. Compatibility is influenced by both bloom time and genetics.

Borealis Haskap is an early-pollinating variety and pairs well with Aurora and Honey Bee.

Bob Gordon Elderberry Quick Facts

Borealis Haskap (Honeyberry) Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: black
Berries: berries are large; berries are similar to blueberries but larger and have a taste between raspberry and blueberry; ready for harvest at the end of June
Harvest: late summer to early fall
Flowers: fragrant, white
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: none



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

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