Common Caragana vs Bob Gordon Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Common Caragana vs Bob Gordon Elderberry

Caragana arborescens

Sambucus canadensis Bob Gordon

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Common Caragana
Bob Gordon Elderberry

Common Caragana is a fast growing shrub that's known for its exceptional hardiness and drought tolerance. Although it's most commonly planted in shelterbelts, Common Caragana is also an excellent hedge or feature shrub.

Note: in warmer areas, this species can be difficult to contain once planted. Use the right plant in the right place.

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.

Common Caragana Quick Facts

Bob Gordon Elderberry Quick Facts

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Zone: 1b
Zone: 3a
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Flowers: yellow, in spring
Flowers: fragrant, white
Fruit: pod like fruits
Berries: black
Harvest: late summer to early fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no

In row spacing: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: black karagana, caragana, pea tree, siberian pea shrub, yellow acacia
Other Names: bob gordon american elderberry, bob gordon black elderberry