• Clusters of ripe elderberries supported by a hand
  • Representative canadian elderberry growing or flowering in a garden
1 2

Canadian Elderberry 'Adams 2'

Canadian Elderberry 'Adams 2'

Cultivar & Origin

Adams 2 is a long-established American elderberry selection with dark berries in broad clusters. It belongs to the older generation of named elderberries used in North American fruit production. We propagate it by hardwood cuttings. It produces vigorous canes and fruit for cooked processing; another elderberry selection with overlapping bloom supports pollination.

 Plant highlights
$0.00 CAD
$0.00 CAD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Why We Grow It

Adams 2 carries the legacy of early American elderberry selection into a productive farm hedge. Broad fruit clusters provide a practical crop for cooked juice and preserves, while vigorous canes build cover and cut material. It fits well into successional agroforestry, producing berries as a mixed planting develops.

How the Plant Grows

The coppice king! Elderberries grow rapidly, producing dense, bushy shrubs with pinnate green leaves. In late spring to early summer, they bloom with large, fragrant flower heads that attract bees and other pollinators. By late summer, these flowers develop into clusters of small, dark purple to black berries. Elderberries respond well to coppicing, which can rejuvenate older plants and provide a sustainable source of biomass. They thrive in moist, nutrient-rich soils but are remarkably adaptable, growing in a variety of conditions, including wet or marginal areas. Supplied with robust roots; tops may be cut back for packaging.

Plant Size

Size at Maturity- Shrub/Midstory Layer. Grows to 8–20 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide, with rapid annual growth

Current Size-

Additional Info

Use fully ripe elderberries in cooked preparations such as preserves and syrups. Remove stems and unripe fruit. Flowers can be used in suitable recipes; leaves and stems are not food.

Adams 2

Elderberries are fast-growing shrubs of moist edges and disturbed ground. They help establish cover during ecological succession, providing flowers for insects, fruit for birds and leafy shelter as a planting develops. In a food forest or hedge, managed canes supply berries for cooked juice, syrup and preserves.
View full details
  • Clusters of ripe elderberries supported by a hand
  • Representative canadian elderberry growing or flowering in a garden

Plant Highlights

  • Water

    Prefers consistent moisture, especially during establishment and berry production, though it can tolerate occasional wet conditions

  • Pollination

    Partially self-fertile but benefits from cross-pollination between multiple varieties for improved fruit yield

  • Soil

    Thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soils but is adaptable to a range of soil types. Known to grow in poor soils as well.

  • Years to Bear

    Produces flowers and berries as early as 2-3 years after planting. Most of our rooted cuttings had flowers and fruit on them that we pull off.

  • Hardiness

    Zones 3-9, tolerating temperatures as low as -35°C (-31°F)

  • Solar

    Prefers full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade; best fruit production occurs in full sunlight.