Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm Mountain time
Bob Gordon Elderberry vs Orange Energy Sea Buckthorn (Female)
Sambucus canadensis Bob Gordon
Hippophae rhamnoides Orange Energy
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
(new stock expected: fall of 2026)
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.
Orange Energy Sea Buckthorn is a female variety known for its large yields of yellowish orange berries that ripen in September. The berries are juicy with a pleasant tart flavour. They have a high sugar content and are often sought after for their vitamin C concentration. Orange Energy Sea Buckthorn requires a male pollinizer to set fruit.
Orange Energy Sea Buckthorn has moderately thorny branches and other well-known features of Sea Buckthorn plants. These include silvery green foliage and nitrogen-fixing capabilities, which improves the surrounding soil.
Sea Buckthorn plants have male and female flowers occurring on different plants, a male pollinizer is required for fruit production. Can be paired with Lord Sea Buckthorn which is a male variety.
Bob Gordon Elderberry Quick Facts
Orange Energy Sea Buckthorn (Female) Quick Facts
Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans