Home and Landscape
Mulberry
- Morus spp.
- Family Moraceae (Mulberry family)
Plant identification
Mulberry trees are fast-growing, fairly large deciduous trees. Leaves vary but are generally large. Most trees grow from 20 to 60 feet tall. Fruitless and fruiting varieties are available. Fruit is similar to small blackberries with a sweet flavor. Fruit can attract birds, stain walkways, and be tracked indoors on carpets. Fruitless varieties of Morus alba are preferred, such as 'Fan San', 'Fruitless', and 'Stribling'.
Optimum conditions for growth
Mulberries grow best in full sun and will tolerate aridity when established. With adequate moisture and fertilizer, they grow faster. They can be difficult to garden under because of shallow roots. Plant away from pavement or buildings to provide adequate room for the shallow roots that grow extensively near the soil surface around the trunk.
