Bob Gordon Elderberry Plant

Bob Gordon Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is the premier American elderberry variety — discovered in 1999 in Osceola, Missouri, and now the benchmark for home and commercial elderberry growing alike. The berries are larger, sweeter, and more nutritionally dense than standard elderberries — up to ¼ inch in diameter with more than four times the antioxidant value of cherries. The heavy, drooping flower and berry clusters hang naturally below the foliage as they ripen, a distinctive habit that helps hide the fruit from birds and reduces bird damage without netting — though netting before July ripening is still wise. Some resistance to Japanese beetles. Best paired with any other elderberry variety for cross-pollination. Cold hardy in Zones 3–9.

More Than Four Times the Antioxidant Value of Cherries

The antioxidant density of Bob Gordon elderberries is genuinely exceptional — more than four times the antioxidant value of cherries, one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits commonly available. That nutritional profile drives much of the intense interest in elderberries for syrups, tonics, and wellness preparations, and Bob Gordon’s superior berry size and sweetness make it the top choice among health-motivated home growers who want maximum yield and potency from their elderberry planting.

Discovered in Osceola, Missouri, 1999 — Now the Leading Juice Variety

Bob Gordon wasn’t developed in a laboratory — it was discovered by Bob Gordon as a naturally superior wild selection in Osceola, Missouri in 1999 and recognized for its exceptional berry size, sweetness, and productivity. Over 25 years later, it remains in many of the same commercial orchards it was planted in from the beginning, and has become the leading variety for elderberry juice production — a genuine measure of performance that no amount of marketing can substitute for.

Versatile in the Kitchen — Pie, Jam, Wine, and Syrup

Bob Gordon’s large, sweet-tart, juicy berries are outstanding across every elderberry application. Elderberry syrup for wellness and flavor, deeply flavored jam and preserves, elderberry pie and baked goods, and elderberry wine all benefit from the berry quality and yield that Bob Gordon consistently delivers. Bird-X® Garden Nets are recommended before July ripening to protect the crop as it approaches peak ripeness.

Why Growers Choose Bob Gordon Elderberry

• More than 4x the antioxidant value of cherries — the most nutritionally dense elderberry variety
• Large ¼ inch berries, sweeter than standard — superior size and flavor
• Discovered 1999, Osceola, Missouri — 25+ years of proven commercial and home orchard performance
• Hanging clusters naturally discourage birds — some natural bird damage mitigation
• Some Japanese beetle resistance — reduced pest pressure
• Cold hardy Zone 3–9 — one of the widest zone ranges of any fruiting shrub

Note: Elderberries must be cooked before consumption. Consuming fresh elderberries can be toxic. Please ensure all berries are properly prepared before use.