A proven American elderberry variety known for very high yields and easier harvest

By: Veteran Berries

Prepared for Propagation Success

• True-to-type genetics from verified mother plants
• Harvested during dormancy for optimal viability
• Dormant hardwood cuttings from first-year growth
• Cleaned, sanitized, and air-dried before packing
• Moisture-protected packaging to preserve freshness
• Selected for strong establishment and long-term growth

Built for growers who want reliable results—whether planting a backyard row or scaling production.

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Product Overview

These Bob Gordon elderberry cuttings are harvested and prepared specifically for successful propagation. Each cutting is taken during dormancy, carefully handled, and packed to maintain viability until planting.

The Bob Gordon American Elderberry was identified and collected from the wild by Robert Gordon, Charlotte Cooper, and Andrew Thomas near Osceola, Missouri on September 29, 1999. Selected for its strong performance and fruit quality, this wild-origin genotype later became one of the most widely planted American elderberry varieties.

Known for consistent productivity, uniform ripening, and harvest efficiency, Bob Gordon is a proven choice for growers seeking dependable yields from a cultivar with well-documented origins and real-world performance.

Starting with high-quality cuttings allows growers to establish productive elderberry plants efficiently, without the added cost or limitations of potted stock.

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Key Benefits

• Very high yield potential with consistent production
• Uniform ripening that simplifies planning and picking
• Pendulous/downward berry clusters that help reduce bird predation
• Berries with notable natural sweetness, advantageous for juice, wine, or syrup production
• Mid-later season fruiting adds harvest flexibility in mixed plantings

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Who This Is For

• Commercial growers focused on yield and efficiency
• Farms producing elderberries for processing
• Nurseries propagating reliable, in-demand varieties
• Homesteaders and serious growers planting at scale
  

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Plant Characteristics – Bob Gordon

Growth Habit:
A determinate variety with upright to moderately spreading shrub with a dense, rounded structure and vigorous cane growth

Mature Size:
Typically 6–8 feet tall and wide under good growing conditions, with strong branching that supports heavy fruit.

Flowering:
Mid-season clusters of fragrant creamy-white flowers that attract pollinators before fruit set.

Fruiting Window:
August through September, often following slightly later than some other elderberry varieties, extending your harvest window.

Berry Traits:
Abundant, large dark purple-black berries typically ripen in heavy, pendulous (recumbent) clusters that hang downward — a trait that helps reduce bird loss and improves access for netting and harvest. The berries tend to be higher in natural sugars (higher brix) relative to many other cultivars, making them desirable for processing.

Growth Notes:
Selected from a wild plant near Osceola, Missouri in 1999 by Robert Gordon, Charlotte Cooper, and Andrew Thomas, Bob Gordon has proven itself over decades in Midwest orchards and backyard plantings alike. It is a determinate selection that typically puts out one flower head per cyme, and its later fruiting complements earlier varieties in mixed plantings.

Best Use:
Excellent for commercial growers, processing operations, and farms seeking efficient harvest and dependable yields; also a strong choice for growers who value fruit quality and timing later in the season.

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What You Receive

• Your selected quantity of dormant hardwood cuttings
• 6–10 inch cane cuttings from first-year growth
• Clearly labeled by variety
• Printed planting tips and access to a digital planting guide
• Commercial Nursery Certification label attached to the package

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How to Plant

1. Receive dormant cuttings during the shipping window
2. Store refrigerated until ready to plant
3. Ensure soil pH is within the range of 5.5–6.5
   • Pro tip: Adding organic matter helps condition the soil for quick root development
4. Plant the 45-degree cut end into the ground, ensuring the bottom two nodes are buried 2–3 inches below the soil
5. Water at least 1 gallon per plant weekly, or 2 gallons per plant weekly during summer or dry periods, throughout the first year
6. Enjoy productive elderberry bushes for years to come

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Shipping Information

• Shipping method selected at checkout
• Ships within 1–2 business days during shipping season
• Pre-orders accepted October through January
• Cuttings ship January–February while fully dormant

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Our Plant Guarantee

We stand behind our elderberry cuttings and native plants.

Your order will arrive healthy and ready to grow. If your cuttings fail to leaf out or establish under proper planting conditions, we offer a one-time replacement to support successful establishment.

Because elderberries are living plants, results depend on proper handling, planting, and care. This guarantee is designed to support committed growers while setting clear, realistic expectations.

For full details, please see our complete Plant Guarantee and Replacement Policy.

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FAQs

When will my elderberry cuttings ship?

Elderberry cuttings ship once per year while dormant. Pre-orders open in October and run through January. Cuttings are harvested and shipped in late January, which is the proper time for planting and propagation.

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What exactly do I receive with my order?

You will receive your selected quantity of dormant elderberry hardwood cuttings, printed planting tips, access to a digital planting guide, and a Commercial Nursery Certification label attached to the package.

Soil, pots, and rooting hormone are not included.

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Are these elderberry cuttings guaranteed?

Yes. We offer a one-time replacement policy for elderberry cuttings that fail to leaf out or establish when planted correctly and cared for under recommended conditions.

Because elderberries are living plants, results depend on proper handling, planting timing, and growing conditions. The guarantee applies to the original order only, and replacement shipping costs apply.

Full details are available in our Nursery Plants & Cuttings Guarantee.

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What qualifies for a replacement under the plant guarantee?

Replacements may be issued if:

• Cuttings were planted during the appropriate season
• Recommended planting and care instructions were followed
• The issue is reported within the timeframe outlined in our policy

Each order is eligible for one replacement only.

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Do you offer refunds on elderberry cuttings?

Due to the nature of live plant material, refunds are not offered on elderberry cuttings. Eligible issues are handled through our one-time replacement policy rather than refunds.

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Are these rooted elderberry plants?

No. These are dormant hardwood elderberry cuttings, not potted or rooted plants.

Dormant cuttings ship better, establish stronger root systems, and are the preferred propagation method for nurseries and growers.

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How many elderberry cuttings should I order?

• 3–25 cuttings: Small garden or trial plantings
• 25–100 cuttings: Homesteads or orchard rows
• 100+ cuttings: Nurseries and farms establishing larger plantings

Bulk pricing is available for larger quantities.

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Are these elderberry cuttings legally certified for shipment?

Yes. All elderberry cuttings are grown and shipped under commercial nursery compliance, with proper certification labels included to meet state nursery law requirements.

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Who are Bob Gordon elderberry cuttings best for?

These cuttings are well-suited for home gardeners, homesteaders, nurseries, and commercial farmers. Performance is best when planted in regions and conditions where this variety is known to thrive. 

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Can Bob Gordon elderberry cuttings be planted outside their native region?

Yes. While this variety originates from a specific region, it can be planted elsewhere. Performance will depend on local climate, soil conditions, and management practices.