York American Elderberry

York American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis 'York')

York American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis 'York') is a vigorous deciduous shrub prized for its large clusters of white flowers and its heavy yield of dark purple, edible berries. Also known as York Elderberry, this cultivar is valued for its productivity, cold hardiness, and ornamental appeal, making it both a reliable landscape plant and a practical focal point in edible gardens or wildlife habitats.

Distinctive Features

York grows 6 to 10 feet tall and wide, forming a multi-stemmed, upright shrub with arching branches. In early to midsummer, it produces broad, flat-topped clusters of creamy white flowers that attract pollinators. These are followed by one of the largest fruit crops of any elderberry variety, with glossy blackish-purple berries ripening in late summer. The berries are ideal for making jams, syrups, and wine, and the plant�s dark green foliage provides a dense, textured backdrop through the growing season.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Moderate to high; prefers consistently moist soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9

Ideal Uses

• Focal point in edible or permaculture gardens
• Seasonal interest shrub for wildlife and pollinator habitats
• Hedgerows or privacy screens in rural and suburban settings
• Naturalizing along wetland edges or streambanks
• Productive fruiting shrub for syrups, jams, and preserves

Low Maintenance Care

• Prune in late winter to maintain shape and encourage fruiting
• Harvest berries when fully ripe and deep purple
• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Water during prolonged dry spells for best fruit set
• Plant with another elderberry cultivar for optimal pollination

Why Choose York American Elderberry

• Produces one of the heaviest fruit yields of any elderberry
• Attracts pollinators and supports local wildlife
• Cold-hardy and adaptable across a wide range of zones
• Dual-purpose plant for ornamental and edible landscapes
• A productive focal point in both home gardens and larger plantings

York American Elderberry offers beauty, bounty, and ecological value in a single plant. With showy blooms, abundant berries, and dense form, it makes a standout focal point in gardens where edible landscaping and wildlife support are top priorities.