Ripe elderberries in a drooping cluster, dark and glossy against green leaves.
Elderberry seedling with delicate green leaves and long roots on a burlap background.
Close-up of elderberry canes with clean cuts, displayed on rustic cloth.

York Elderberry

$15.00
Plant Type

York Elderberry
(Sambucus canadensis · Certified Organic)

A compact, dependable elderberry with sweet, heavy yields and a long track record. Ideal for smaller spaces and urban gardens.

 Full Product Description

York is a sweet-fruited cultivar known for producing some of the largest berries among North American elders. It bears heavily, ripens later than Adams or Nova, and fits comfortably into smaller garden spaces thanks to its modest stature—typically 5 to 6 feet tall, but capable of reaching 8 feet when densely planted.

Developed in 1964 by the New York Agricultural Experiment Station, York has been trusted by growers for decades. It’s productive, low-maintenance, and well-suited to cooler climates. With showy blooms in June, fragrant white flowers, and nutrient-rich berries in late summer, it brings seasonal charm and solid yields to edible landscapes.

We've grown certified organic York elderberries for five years, and they’ve proven quick to mature, disease-resistant, and impressively reliable.

A strong pick for urban gardens, smaller yards, and backyard growers looking for a sweeter harvest.

 Key Features

  • Certified Organic York elderberries

  • Height: 5–6' (up to 8' when densely planted)

  • Ripens: Late summer

  • Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–7

  • Pollination: Self-fertile; best yields with a partner like Nova

  • Flowering: Blooms in June

  • Soil: Prefers rich, well-draining soil; widely adaptable

  • Moisture: Consistent moisture required for 2 seasons; drought-tolerant after establishment

  • Planting Seasons: Best in fall or early spring

  • Mulch: Essential for moisture retention and root protection

Shipping Info

  • Cuttings ship in mid-spring (2025)

  • Seedlings ship in late summer (2025 - very limited)

  • Quantities limited—preorder recommended


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