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Elderberry 'York' (Sambucus canadensis)

Elderberry 'York' (Sambucus canadensis)

$22.00 CAD
$22.00 CAD
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Why We Grow It

We grow York because it delivers consistent yields of large, high-quality berries on a tough, cold-hardy shrub. Its cluster structure makes harvesting more efficient, and the fruit processes beautifully for syrups, tinctures, jams, and wine. With decades of proven performance across northern regions and dependable productivity year after year, York remains a cornerstone cultivar for both home growers and small-scale commercial plantings.

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

Selected in the 1960s from USDA and Cornell breeding work; notable for its very large berries, wide clusters, and strong, upright canes. Traditionally one of the most widely planted elderberry cultivars in North America and valued for commercial processing.

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 'York'

York is a long-standing North American elderberry selected for its impressive berry size, heavy yields, and cold-climate reliability. Originally developed from Sambucus canadensis breeding lines in New York, York produces some of the largest berries of any elder cultivar, along with broad, flat-topped clusters that are easy to harvest. The fruit has a balanced, sweet-tart flavor ideal for syrups, juices, wines, and medicinal preparations. York grows vigorously, handles northern winters well, and remains one of the most trusted and productive elder cultivars for growers in cooler climates.

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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 -35°C (-31°F)

  • Solar

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