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Elderberry 'Samyl'

2-Gallon

Height: 6-8 feet tall.
Spread: 5-6 feet.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zone: 4a.
Other Names: Sambucus nigra 'Samyl'

Description:
A highly productive European elderberry variety known for its large, flavorful berries and superior juice quality. 'Samyl' is an improved selection bred for commercial and home garden use, offering abundant clusters of dark purple-black fruit that ripen in late summer. It is best planted alongside another elderberry variety, such as 'Samdal,' for optimal cross-pollination and fruit set.

Edible Qualities:
Elderberry 'Samyl' produces large clusters of small, tart berries rich in antioxidants and nutrients. The fruit is not typically eaten raw but is widely used for making syrups, wines, and herbal remedies.

The fruit is most often used in the following ways:
- Syrups & Extracts
- Jams & Preserves
- Wine & Cordials
- Herbal Remedies
- Tea Infusions

Features & Attributes:
Elderberry 'Samyl' features dark green foliage throughout the growing season, followed by showy clusters of fragrant white flowers in late spring to early summer, attracting bees and butterflies. The small, deep purple berries ripen in late summer to early fall and are highly valued for their medicinal and culinary uses.
This is a deciduous shrub with an upright, bushy growth habit. It is partially self-pollinating but produces significantly higher yields when paired with another elderberry variety like 'Samdal.'

Aside from its primary use as an edible, Elderberry 'Samyl' is suitable for the following landscape applications:
- Wildlife Gardens
- Edible Landscaping
- Naturalized Areas
- Hedgerows

Planting & Growing:
Elderberry 'Samyl' will grow to be about 6-8 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5-6 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2-3 feet from the ground. It grows at a fast rate and, under ideal conditions, can be expected to live for 25 years or more.

This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, moist soil. It requires regular watering, particularly during dry periods, and benefits from an annual layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Pruning in late winter or early spring helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth for better fruiting.

Additional Characteristics:
- Late Summer to Early Fall Ripening
- High-Yielding
- Cold Hardy
- Attracts Pollinators
- Best Yields with Cross-Pollination