York Elderberry

❇︎ ❇︎ 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.