Common Name: American Elderberry 'York'

Scientific Name: Sambucus canadensis 'York'

Plant Type: Deciduous Shrub

Zone: 3-9

Bloom Colour: Creamy white

Fruit Colour: Dark purple to black

Fruit Size: Large (approximately 1/4 inch in diameter)

Ripens/Harvest: Late summer to early fall

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5

Flavour Profile: Tart, tangy, and slightly sweet when ripe

Fruit Texture: Juicy with small seeds

Years To Bear: 2-3 years after planting

Mature Size: 6-10 feet tall, 6-10 feet wide

Spacing: 6-10 feet apart

Pollination Requirements: Partially self-fertile but yields improve significantly when planted with another elderberry variety (such as 'Adams').

Additional Information: The 'York' elderberry is known for producing some of the largest berries among elderberry varieties. It is ideal for making jams, jellies, syrups, and wines and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies in the spring. The shrub is relatively low-maintenance, but it benefits from pruning in late winter to promote vigorous growth.