Mulberry Tree

Plant Bio

Morus alba, commonly known as the White Mulberry Tree, is a deciduous tree belonging to the Moraceae family. Native to China, it has been cultivated for thousands of years for its edible fruits and as a food source for silkworms. The White Mulberry Tree is prized for its rapid growth, attractive foliage, and delicious fruits. Here’s a description:

Foliage: The White Mulberry Tree features glossy, serrated leaves that are typically lobed and heart-shaped. The foliage varies in color from bright green to deep green, with new growth often exhibiting a reddish tint. The leaves provide a lush canopy during the growing season and turn yellow before dropping in the fall.

Flowers: In spring, Morus alba produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are greenish-yellow in color and borne in clusters called catkins. The flowers are wind-pollinated and not particularly showy, but they are essential for fruit production.

Fruits: The fruits of the White Mulberry Tree are cylindrical or oblong berries that ripen from white to pink, red, purple, or black, depending on the variety. They are sweet and juicy with a unique flavor that varies from mildly sweet to tart. The fruits are often enjoyed fresh, dried, or used in jams, jellies, pies, and other culinary creations.

Growth Habit: Morus alba is a fast-growing tree that can reach heights of 30 to 50 feet (9 to 15 meters) tall and spreads of 30 to 40 feet (9 to 12 meters) wide at maturity. It has a rounded or spreading crown with a dense canopy of foliage, making it an excellent shade tree for gardens, parks, and landscapes.

Bark: The bark of the White Mulberry Tree is smooth and grayish-brown when young, becoming deeply furrowed and rough with age. The bark provides winter interest and contrasts nicely with the tree’s foliage.

Care Guide for Morus alba (White Mulberry Tree):

Light:

Plant Morus alba in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate some shade, the tree will produce more fruits and have denser foliage in full sun. Ensure adequate spacing to allow for proper air circulation and sunlight penetration.

Soil:

Grow White Mulberry Trees in well-draining soil with good fertility and a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. Mulberry trees can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. Amend heavy or compacted soils with organic matter to improve drainage and soil structure.

Watering:

Water newly planted Morus alba trees regularly to establish roots, and thereafter provide supplemental water during dry periods, especially in the first few years of growth. Once established, Mulberry Trees are moderately drought-tolerant and require less frequent watering, but they benefit from deep, thorough waterings during prolonged dry spells.