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Bring the historic and productive Adams Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis ‘Adams’) to your garden, one of the oldest and most widely grown American elderberry varieties originating from New York. Known for its tall, vigorous growth and early ripening fruit, Adams produces abundant clusters of dark purple black berries that are sweet, richly flavored, and ideal for culinary and wellness preparations. As one of the tallest elderberry cultivars, it forms an impressive, upright shrub that delivers both beauty and reliable yields season after season.

Why Choose Adams Elderberry?

• Early Ripening: One of the first elderberries to mature, offering an early season harvest window.
• Tall and Vigorous: Grows up to twelve feet tall, making it one of the tallest and most robust elderberry varieties.
• High Yielding: Produces generous clusters of dark, luscious berries perfect for preserves, fresh use, and juicing.
• Heritage Variety: One of the oldest named American elderberries, valued for consistent performance and dependable fruiting.
• Cold Hardy and Adaptable: Thrives across Zones 3 through 9 in a wide range of soils and climates.
• Excellent Pollinator Partner: Ideal companion for varieties like Johns, York, and Ranch.

Medicinal and Nutritional Benefits
Adams elderberries offer a wealth of nutritional and wellness benefits, providing high levels of anthocyanins, antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin A, and immune supporting flavonoids. Traditionally used to promote respiratory wellness, support seasonal immunity, and provide antioxidant rich nourishment, Adams berries are well suited for syrups, teas, tinctures, jams, wines, and homemade wellness preparations. Their early ripening nature means you can begin harvesting nutrient dense fruit sooner than with many other varieties.

Planting and Growing Instructions

1. Preparing the Cuttings: Place cuttings in water or moist soil immediately upon arrival. You may root them indoors or plant directly outdoors when conditions are suitable.
2. Planting Time: Plant in early spring once the ground thaws or through mid spring.
3. Location: Choose full sun to partial shade for vigorous growth and maximum fruiting.
4. Soil Preferences: Prefers moist, well draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
5. Spacing: Space plants 2 to 4 feet apart in rows spaced 10 to 14 feet apart for airflow and ease of harvest.
6. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during establishment. Once rooted, provide regular watering during dry spells.
7. Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove old canes and encourage new first year growth, where berries form.

Pro Tips for Success
• Cross Pollination Recommended: While semi self fertile, Adams performs best when planted with another variety such as Johns, York, or Ranch.
• Early Harvest Advantage: Expect berries to ripen earlier than many American elderberry varieties, extending your harvest season.
• Ornamental Appeal: Tall growth and large berry clusters make Adams a striking landscape plant as well as a productive one.

All elderberry bundles include a minimum of three cuttings with two or more nodes each. Please see product photos for examples of bundle sizes.

Shipping Details: Sold as dormant cuttings in bundles, shipped fresh starting in February. STORE IN YOUR REFRIGERATOR UNTIL PLANTING.

Non-GMO Commitment: At Growing Farmers and The Farm on Central, all our plants are guaranteed non-GMO and not genetically modified in any way, upholding natural breeding methods and promoting sustainable gardening and farming practices.

Growing method: Grown on our Coop farms using natural growing methods, no chemicals used.

Which Elderberry Should I Grow?  

Elderberry Growing Instruction Guide