Balsors Blackberry vs Bob Gordon Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Balsors Blackberry vs Bob Gordon Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis Bob Gordon

Rubus fruticosus Balsors

Bob Gordon Elderberry
Balsors Blackberry

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.

Balsors Blackberry is a cold-hardy variety that produces very large, sweet and juicy blackberries late in the summer. They are great for baking and fresh eating.

Balsors Blackberry is a floricanes, primarily fruiting on second year canes. Each spring cut back all two-year old canes, leaving only the last year’s growth. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn’t require a second plant nearby to set fruit.

Bob Gordon Elderberry Quick Facts

Balsors Blackberry Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium

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

Bark: has thorns
Flowers: fragrant, white
Berries: black
Berries: black
Fruit size: large
Firmness: soft
Flavor: sweet
Harvest: late summer to early fall
Harvest: August
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: bob gordon american elderberry, bob gordon black elderberry
Other Names: balsors hardy blackberry, illinois blackberry