Super A5
A5 Haze × Northern Lights #5 × Haze
Super A5 is a sativa-dominant strain with roots in legendary Dutch Haze breeding from the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is recognized for its potent effects and complex aromatic profile, often featuring incense and citrus notes. This cultivar is a descendant of the famed A5 Haze, a clone-only selection known for its strong cerebral high.
Appearance
Super A5 typically exhibits a sativa-dominant structure, characterized by rapid vegetative growth, narrow leaflets, and significant internodal spacing. During flowering, plants undergo a notable stretch, often doubling or tripling in size. The buds form elongated, spear-shaped colas with a segmented appearance. Calyx-to-leaf ratios are generally favorable, contributing to easier trimming and good airflow within the flowers. The buds are coated in a generous layer of trichomes, giving them a resinous appearance.
Coloration can range from lime to olive green, with pistils maturing from pale to orange or copper hues. Some phenotypes may display a slight purple blush on sugar leaves under cooler conditions near harvest. The overall plant structure is tall and vigorous, rewarding canopy management with substantial bud development.
Aroma & Flavor
The aroma of Super A5 is often described as reminiscent of classic cathedral incense, with woody and spicy undertones, sometimes referred to as "old-school Haze." Upon grinding, bright citrus and lemon-lime notes emerge, complemented by a dry cedar or pencil-shaving scent. Subtle herbal, black pepper, and metallic haze elements can also be detected. A well-cured Super A5 develops a more refined bouquet, with sharp citrus notes melding into sandalwood and frankincense-like tones, and pepper notes smoothing into a sophisticated spice.
On the palate, Super A5 typically presents brisk lemon-lime zest, cedar, and sandalwood flavors, creating a dry wood impression. The experience can be sharp yet dry, with underlying spicy and peppery notes. Phenotypic variations can introduce pine-sap aromas and flavors, particularly in terpinolene-dominant expressions, while caryophyllene-leaning plants offer a spicier profile. Some genetic lines may also exhibit a faint sweetness, akin to tangerine or candied peel.
Effects
Super A5 is known for delivering energetic and cerebral effects, characteristic of its Haze lineage. Users often report a strong uplifting sensation that stimulates mental activity and focus. The high is typically long-lasting, providing sustained energy without significant sedation.
This strain's potent sativa effects make it suitable for daytime use. The energetic and cerebral stimulation can be conducive to creative tasks or social interactions. While primarily known for its uplifting qualities, the intensity of the effects can vary depending on individual tolerance and the specific phenotype.
Terpenes & Cannabinoids
Super A5 typically exhibits high THC content, often testing in the high teens to mid-20s percentage range. CBD levels are generally below 1%. The terpene profile commonly includes Limonene, Caryophyllene, Terpinolene, and Ocimene, contributing to its distinct aromatic and flavor characteristics.
The presence of these terpenes influences the strain's sensory experience and potential effects. Limonene and Ocimene can contribute to perceived sweetness and citrus notes, while Caryophyllene adds spicy and peppery undertones. Terpinolene is often associated with pine and herbal aromas, complementing the strain's core incense-like fragrance.
Growing Characteristics
Super A5 generally requires advanced cultivation skills due to its vigorous sativa growth pattern and extended flowering period. Phenotypes can exhibit significant vertical growth and require ample space. Training techniques such as topping or SCROG are often recommended, especially for indoor grows, to manage plant height and maximize yield. The plant structure is typically tall with long internodal spacing.
Flowering times can be extended, sometimes requiring 12-14 weeks or more, though some hybrids may finish slightly faster. Yields can be substantial, particularly when grown in optimal conditions with proper canopy management. This strain is well-suited for environments that can accommodate its size and long flowering cycle, and it is known for producing resinous buds.
Origins and Lineage
Super A5 originates from legendary Dutch Haze breeding efforts that took place in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its foundation is the A5 Haze, a clone-only selection attributed to Neville Schoenmakers, which resulted from a cross between Northern Lights #5 and a specific Haze male known as the "A" male. The A5 Haze clone gained renown in the Netherlands for its potent head high, incense-heavy aroma, and lanky sativa morphology.
The term "Super" in Super A5 often indicates enhanced vigor, yield, or potency, achieved through crosses with other established Haze varieties like Super Silver Haze or stabilizing genetics such as Super Skunk. While exact parentage can vary among breeders, most Super A5 lines aim to preserve the characteristic incense-forward Haze terpenes, high THC potential, and enduring cerebral effects associated with the original A5 Haze.