'Adams' American Elder is a fruit-bearing native with a long history of use in our country. The green pinnate leaves are borne on long pithy stems which grow in a suckering clump. The flowers are large flat white cymes blooming in June and July, covering the tips of the arching branches. They are followed by purple black edible fruit in August and September. S. 'Adams' was selected by William Adams of NY for the size and quantity of the fruit, which has been an excellent source of wine, jam, and pies. Sambucus tolerates both wet and dry sites, and provides an important source of fall food for birds. It would be more attractive as an addition to the landscape if cut back hard every spring.

• Category: Woody Ornamentals
• Alternate Cultivar: Adams
• Hardiness Zone: 4
• Height: 8 Feet
• Spread: 10 Feet
• Bloom Color: White