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Elderberry 'Ranch' (Sambucus canadensis)

Elderberry 'Ranch' (Sambucus canadensis)

$22.00 CAD
$22.00 CAD
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Why We Grow It

We grow Ranch because it offers unmatched consistency, hardiness, and ease of management for cold-climate growers. Its upright form makes pruning and harvesting much simpler than sprawling or floppy elder cultivars, and its reliable ripening window suits short-season areas exceptionally well. Ranch produces dependable yields year after year, with berries that process beautifully for syrup, wine, tinctures, and jams. For growers wanting a rugged, uniform, no-fuss elderberry, Ranch is one of the best pure S. canadensis cultivars available.

How the Plant Grows

The coppice king! Elderberries grow rapidly, producing dense, bushy shrubs with pinnate green leaves. In late spring to early summer, they bloom with large, fragrant flower heads that attract bees and other pollinators. By late summer, these flowers develop into clusters of small, dark purple to black berries. Elderberries respond well to coppicing, which can rejuvenate older plants and provide a sustainable source of biomass. They thrive in moist, nutrient-rich soils but are remarkably adaptable, growing in a variety of conditions, including wet or marginal areas.

Plant Size

Size at Maturity- Shrub/Midstory Layer. Grows to 8-20 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide, with rapid annual growth

Current Size- Rooted cuttings. Cut back to fit into package. Up to 18" tall with robust roots.

Additional Info

A true canadensis selection originating from wild elderberry stands in North Dakota; chosen for its uniform shrub form, strong cane structure, and reliable early-season ripening. Fruit quality is ideal for syrup, wine, preserves, and medicinal preparations. Known for excellent cold hardiness and low-maintenance performance.

Elderberries are fast-growing, multi-functional shrubs that bring fast growing biodiversity, and utility to gardens and food forests. Known for their large, showy flower heads in summer and clusters of dark, flavorful berries in late summer to fall, elderberries are highly valued for their culinary and medicinal uses. These hardy plants thrive in a variety of climates and are a cornerstone for ecological and permaculture designs, offering benefits to both humans and wildlife.

Variety 'Ranch'

Ranch is a hardy, productive pure American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) selected for its compact, uniform growth and reliable cropping in cold climates. Originally chosen from wild Midwestern elderberry populations, Ranch produces consistent yields of medium-sized berries on strong, upright canes that rarely flop under fruit weight. It ripens earlier than many hybrid cultivars and is prized for its even growth habit, making it easier to manage, prune, and harvest. Ranch performs extremely well in northern regions, thriving in a wide range of soils with minimal care.

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Plant Highlights

  • Water

    Prefers consistent moisture, especially during establishment and berry production, though it can tolerate occasional wet conditions

  • Pollination

    Partially self-fertile but benefits from cross-pollination between multiple varieties for improved fruit yield

  • Soil

    Thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soils but is adaptable to a range of soil types. Known to grow in poor soils as well.

  • Years to Bear

    Produces flowers and berries as early as 2-3 years after planting. Most of our rooted cuttings had flowers and fruit on them that we pull off.

  • Hardiness

    Zones 3-9, tolerating temperatures as low as -45°C

  • Solar

    Prefers full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade; best fruit production occurs in full sunlight.