Elderberry, Ranch

Ranch Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis 'Ranch')

The Ranch elderberry is a compact, easy-to-manage variety that produces heavy yields of nutrient-rich berries on a shorter, bushier plant. Selected for its naturally smaller size and early-ripening fruit, Ranch is an excellent choice for home gardens, orchards, and permaculture systems. It thrives in a variety of soil conditions and requires minimal pruning, making it a low-maintenance option for elderberry enthusiasts. In addition to its high-yielding fruit, Ranch supports pollinators with its fragrant spring flowers and provides a late-season food source for birds.

Key Characteristics

• Compact, Low-Maintenance Growth for Easy Harvesting
  Unlike taller elderberry varieties, Ranch grows to a manageable height of just 5-6 feet, making berry harvests easier. Its naturally bushy, rounded habit requires little pruning, making it a great choice for low-maintenance gardens.

• Early-Ripening Berries for Syrups, Wines, and Herbal Remedies
  Producing abundant clusters of dark purple-black berries in mid-to-late summer, Ranch elderberry is packed with antioxidants and immune-supporting properties. Its berries are excellent for making syrups, wines, teas, and medicinal extracts.

• Fragrant White Flowers for Pollinators and Herbal Uses
  In late spring, Ranch elderberry blooms with clusters of creamy-white flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The blossoms can also be harvested for elderflower tea, syrups, or cordials.

• Thrives in Diverse Landscapes, from Home Gardens to Food Forests
  Adaptable to various growing conditions, Ranch elderberry does well in garden beds, food forests, and even container plantings. It’s drought-tolerant once established and works well in permaculture designs.

• Best Yields with Cross-Pollination
  While Ranch is partially self-fertile, planting it alongside another elderberry variety, such as Adams or York, will significantly boost fruit production.

Product Details

• Native Range: Eastern and Central North America
• Plant Life Cycle: Perennial
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Medium to wet, well-drained
• Mature Height: 5-6 feet
• Bloom Time: May - June
• Bloom Color: White
• Fruit Qualities: Medium to large dark purple-black berries; early ripening
• Fruit Uses: Syrups, wines, jellies, teas, medicinal preparations
• Fruit Ripening: July - August
• Pollination Requirements: Partially self-fertile, but higher yields with another elderberry variety (Adams or York)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9

With its compact growth, early ripening berries, and pollinator-friendly blooms, Ranch elderberry is an excellent choice for small gardens, edible landscapes, and permaculture plantings.