York Elderberry
- Description
- CSA Terms and Agreement
❇︎ ❇︎ Pre-Ordering is OPEN! ❇︎ ❇︎
❇︎ Cuttings begin shipping in Early Spring 2025.
❇︎ Seedlings begin shipping in Late Spring 2025.
York Elderberry is known for its sweet, large berries among elders. Considered by some to be the largest-fruited and heaviest-bearing cultivar that ripens later than Adams and Nova varietals. This shrub is more compact typically 5-6’, but can grow as tall as 8’. Persistent and will bear well for many years alongside another elder variety.
The fruit is a great source of vitamin C and makes wonderful pie, juice, jelly and wine. Vigorous and hardy plants produce showy, fragrant white flowers in summer and colorful fall foliage. One of the easiest berries to grow. An attractive and vibrant bush in the garden and landscape. With its slightly shorter in stature, it's a great choice for smaller or urban gardens.
Sambucus canadensis, York Elderberry is from New York Agriculture Experiment Station, 1964. Resents root disturbance. Cross pollinize with another S. canadensis variety, like Nova, for abundant fruit production.
These are seedlings and cuttings from our York elderberry bushes where we harvest and sell the certified organic flowers and berries. We have been growing York elderberries for five years with excellent results. Typically, bushes remain around 6 feet tall and wide; when densely planted, they will grow up to 8+ feet tall. The elderberry bush has very dependable fruit production due to late bloom in June. It's usually not bothered by insects or diseases. Quick to grow to mature height of 5-6 ft.
USDA Zone: 3 - 9 hardiness, prefers cooler climates
Grow Height: 5 - 6', but can grow taller when densely planted
Sun: Full Sun, does well with some shade
Ripening Time: Late Summer
Pollination: Self-fertile, yields increase with a second variety, such as Nova.
Years to Fruit: 2 to 3 years (seedlings to canes); fruiting on 2nd year seedlings or 3rd year canes in Zones 3 and 4.
Soil Type: Tolerates a wide variety, best in soils rich in organic matter & well-draining.
Moisture Requirements: needs consistently moist soil, not wet, for two growing seasons. Do not allow soil to dry out in the first growing season. Very drought-tolerant once properly established.
Best Time to Plant: Spring and Fall. Summer planting is possible but watering requirements are more demanding. Best time to plant in most climates is Fall, followed by early Spring.
Mulch: important for all seasons, mulch deeply immediately after planting to protect young roots and retain hydrated soils.
The 2025 Summer CSA season will be 10 weeks from June 25 - August 27, 2025 (no pick-up week of July 4). Pick-up will be at The Boreal Farm on Wednesday from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
In joining The Boreal Farm CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), I understand and agree that farming is a seasonal and unpredictable undertaking. Pests, predation, disease, and weather can cause crop failure at any point in the growing season and we cannot issue refunds in the case of crop failure partial or in full.
I understand the size and number of items in my box will fluctuate each week throughout the growing season.
My certified organic share will vary from week-to-week depending on what is best in season at the time, and the farmer has the discretion to make substitutions.
The Boreal Farm will, to the best of its ability, provide the freshest, highest quality produce possible—however, I understand I am assuming a mutual risk with my farmer. Risk can include partial or complete crop shortages and/or failures.
Payment for CSA membership is due at the time of sign-up. Memberships are non-refundable, any full or partial refund is at the sole discretion of The Boreal Farm.
I agree to provide two clean 28 qt coolers labeled with my last name on the lid and front by June 15 and subsequently, provide a clean cooler each week for my share.
I agree to pick up my share at the agreed upon location and time each week or arrange for someone else to pick up my share and notify The Boreal Farm.
I understand that if I do not pick up my share it will be donated to a local charity of The Boreal Farm’s choosing.
The Primary Member is the person completing the purchase and is the point of contact concerning membership and other farm matters. Communication between Members and The Boreal Farm is by email. The Primary Member is responsible for reading the weekly newsletter where important updates and information is shared.
By purchasing a 2025 Summer CSA share, I understand and agree to these terms.
The Boreal Farm will not share your private information.