Adam’s American Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis ‘Adam’s’

Other Common Names: Common Elderberry, Black Elder, Black Elderberry, Common Elder, Elderberry, Tapiro, Sauco

NOTE: As with all of our other plants and trees, all of our fruit plants are grown in containers outdoors so they are fully rooted and landscape-ready upon arrival.

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 3a-9b Find Your Zone

Ripens: Late Summer

Pollinators: Any other variety of Elderberry

Height at Maturity: 8-10′

Width at Maturity: 6-8′

Spacing: 6 feet for solid hedge; 15’+ for space between plants

Fruit Color: Deep Purple to Black

Fruit Flavor: Sweet

Fruit Size: Small in large clusters

Sun Needs: Full Sun or Mostly Sun, Light Shade

Water Needs: Average

Soil Type: Rich in organic matter

Drainage/Soil Moisture: Moist But Well Drained

Soil pH: 5.5-7.0 (Acid to Neutral)

Description

The Adam’s Elderberry is a beautiful and vigorous native American flowering and edible fruiting shrub that will grow almost anywhere in the United States. Tropical looking, pinnately compound leaves up to 12 inches long on gracefully arching branches support abundant flat-topped clusters of pretty white flowers during summer. The flowers retain their beauty as they turn golden brown and are followed by abundant large clusters of sweet, dark purple-black berries that are well known for being high in nutrients and antioxidants. Though the berries aren’t for fresh eating, they are excellent for use in making juice, jams and jellies, and Elderberry wine. While a vigorous grower, Adams Elderberry responds well to pruning for size control or shaping purposes. Easily maintained and trouble free, a remarkable, useful, and beautiful plant that deserves a spot in every garden!

Though partially self-fertile, Adam’s Elderberry will benefit by producing more berries from a pollinator, which can be any other variety of Elderberry.

NOTE: As with all of our other plants and trees, all of our fruit plants are grown in containers outdoors so they are fully rooted and landscape-ready upon arrival.

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing 8 to 10 feet in height and 6 to 8 feet wide if left unpruned, the Adam’s American Elderberry is ideal for use along sunny to partially shaded woodland borders and other natural areas. With annual pruning done in late winter it forms a dense shrub suitable for landscape borders. A fine addition to the edible landscape, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens and white or black theme gardens.

Growing Preferences

American Elderberry plants grow best in an acidic, organically rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerates periodically wet soils. The more sun the better for best berry production.

Helpful Articles

Click on the Planting & Care Advice tab for helpful Elderberry growing tips from our experts.

Plant Long & Prosper!

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Arrived promptly and in great packaging meaning it’s soil was still in the pot and moist! It was a nice plant! The plants that I have received from Wilson Brothers always do extremely well after planting- no wilting or stress noted in the plants!! I will continue purchasing from them!———————————We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG