Return to Plant Finder

Clicking the following controls will change the main image displayed above.

‘Adams’

Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

'Adams'

Swipe to View More
Adams Sambucus blooming in a garden bed "} Adams Sambucus blooming with a blue sky background
  • Native to North America
  • Fragrant flowers
  • Edible fruit
Description

A hardy, native shrub with an upright suckering growth habit. White summer flowers produce dark blue to black fruit in late summer. Selected by Mr. William M Adams of Union Springs, NY, for its abundant fruit production.

USDA Zone
3 - 9 (-40°F/-40°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
6 - 10'
Width
6 - 10'
Finish Time
.5 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Summer
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Green

Soil

Extremely adaptable to soil pH and moisture levels.

Pruning

Blooms on old wood. However, pruning after bloom will remove the potential for fruit to set.

Uses

Home orchards; specimen; woodland/wildlife gardens.

Growing Tips

Both flowers and ripe berries are edible; however, foliage and stems are toxic.

  • Benchcard: Castle Keep® Ilex Benchcard

    • Features: Fall interest, Native, Deer resistant, Edible, Drought tolerant, Clay soil, Alkaline soil, Salt tolerant

    Filters: Botanical genus: Sambucus, Common name: Elderberry, Retail program: Local Roots®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, White flowers, Green foliage

    Features: Fall interest, Native, Deer resistant, Edible, Drought tolerant, Clay soil, Alkaline soil, Salt tolerant

    Filters: Botanical genus: Sambucus, Common name: Elderberry, Retail program: Local Roots®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, White flowers, Green foliage