Adams Elderberry Plant

Adams Elderberry is one of the most versatile and beautiful fruiting shrubs you can grow — and one of the most rewarding. Vigorous plants with glossy green foliage produce large, fragrant white flower-heads in May, followed by exceptional clusters of large, firm, juicy elderberries in August. Hardy across Zones 3–9, easy to grow, and producing fruit with consistently better quality than wild elderberries, Adams is a standout choice for edible landscaping, kitchen gardening, and natural wellness enthusiasts alike.

Two Harvests in One: Elderflowers and Elderberries

Adams delivers two distinct opportunities to harvest each season. In May, the large white flower-heads are at their peak — delicate and fragrant, prized for elderflower fritters, teas, cordials, and wine. If left on the bush, those same flowers develop into exceptional large clusters of firm, juicy, sweet berries by August, ready for jams, jellies, syrups, pies, and homemade elderberry preparations. Better consistent quality than wild elderberries, and high in vitamin C.

Important: Elderberries must be cooked before consumption. Fresh, raw elderberries can be toxic. Always properly prepare berries before eating or using in recipes.

Glossy, Ornamental, and Wildlife-Friendly

Adams earns its place in the landscape year-round. The glossy green foliage is genuinely attractive, the May flower display is striking enough to rival dedicated ornamental shrubs, and the berry clusters through summer and fall attract birds and beneficial wildlife. It’s a plant that gives back to the entire yard, not just the kitchen.

Why Growers Love Adams

• Edible flowers and fruit — large white flower-heads in May, exceptional berry clusters in August
• Better than wild elderberries — consistent quality and larger fruit than wild selections
• High in vitamin C — one of the most nutritious homegrown fruits available
• Exceptionally cold hardy — thrives across one of the widest zone ranges of any variety (Zones 3–9)
• Glossy ornamental foliage — beautiful in the landscape throughout the growing season
• Tolerates partial shade — productive even without full sun