Bare Root Adams Elderberry Tree

A New York cultivar, Adams Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis ‘Adams’) is actually one of the oldest and most widely grown American elderberries. It has a tall, upright growing habit, is cold hardy, and doesn't need a long growing season to mature. Due to the short maturation period, in southern zones it is one of the earliest elderberry varieties to ripen. Adams produces abundant clusters of dark purple black berries that are sweet, richly flavored, and ideal for culinary and wellness preparations.

SHIPPING INFO: Bare root plants generally ship March-May.

SIZE: Our bare root elderberries are usually between 12-16 inches (both trunk and root system). Typically elderberry plants do not grow over 12 feet tall, making them a woody shrub instead of a true tree.

The Bare Root Advantage:

• Head Start on Harvest: Bare root elderberry plants are 1–2 years old with established root systems, meaning you can expect flowers and fruit 1–2 years sooner than starting from cuttings.
• Higher Early Survival Rate: With a developed root system already in place, bare root plants establish more quickly and are more drought tolerant in their first season than cuttings.
• Plant Directly in the Ground: No rooting required. Bareroot plants go straight into your garden bed or field planting as soon as they arrive.

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. Location: Choose full sun to partial shade for vigorous growth and maximum fruiting.
2. Soil Preferences: Prefers moist, well draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
3. Spacing: Space plants 2 to 4 feet apart in rows spaced 10 to 14 feet apart for airflow and ease of harvest.
4. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during establishment. Once rooted, provide regular watering during dry spells.
5. 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.

Cross-Pollination

Elderberries are semi self-fertile, meaning that a single elderberry plant can produce, but cross-pollination maximizes the yield and berry quality. Plant at least two cultivars if you want to get a full harvest from each plant.

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