Spicebush vs Bob Gordon Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Spicebush vs Bob Gordon Elderberry

Lindera benzoin

Sambucus canadensis Bob Gordon

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Spicebush
Bob Gordon Elderberry

The Spicebush is an unique ornamental shrub that blooms with vibrant yellow flowers and bright green foliage. The foliage goes from green to yellow in the autumn, adding fall interest to your garden.The plant is dioecious, meaning that you will need male and female plants in order to harvest it’s red berries. Berries are only produced on female plants. The berries themselves aren’t that sweet, and are mostly enjoyed by birds and other wildlife.

The Spicebush, also commonly known as Common Spicebush, Northern Spicebush, Wild Allspice, and Benjamin Bush, is named after its distinctive spicy-sweet fragrance that comes from the flowers.

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.

Spicebush Quick Facts

Bob Gordon Elderberry Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $12.99 - SAVE UP TO 38%
Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: any
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: red
Berries: black
Harvest: late summer to early fall
Flowers: greenish yellow
Flowers: fragrant, white
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high




Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Other Names: benjamin bush, common spicebush, northern spicebush, wild allspice
Other Names: bob gordon american elderberry, bob gordon black elderberry