Type
American elderberry, needs pollinizer
Elderberry variety
Bob Gordon Elderberry
A productive cultivar with clusters that often hang downward, helping reduce bird damage. Its dark berries are widely used for juice and preserves.
Season
late summer
Best for
juice, syrup, home processing
About Bob Gordon
Bob Gordon is a productive American elderberry that carries unusually large, somewhat drooping fruit clusters, which can help shield fruit from birds. It produces dark berries suitable for processing and is known for heavy crops.
Growing Bob Gordon Elderberry
Grow in Zones 3 to 9 with full sun, regular water, and a second American elderberry cultivar for pollination. Fruit ripens in late summer; harvest when the entire cluster is dark, and protect ripening crops from birds if needed.
Full growing guide
For planting, care, pollination, and harvest that apply to all elderberry, see the complete guide.
How to grow ElderberryOther elderberry varieties
Variety characteristics are general guidance for US home gardens; chill hours, hardiness, and pollination vary, so confirm suitability for your zone. Availability differs by supplier. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.