White mulberry (Morus alba)
The fast-growing Morus alba, or White mulberry, offers sweet edible fruit and tolerates drought. A deciduous tree for zones 4-8.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The White mulberry (Morus alba) is a distinctive, fast-growing deciduous tree originally native to China. It is historically significant as the primary food source for silkworms, driving its introduction across the world centuries ago. While the species has naturalized widely, its rapid growth and wide-spreading crown make it a notable landscape feature when sited appropriately.
This tree matures into a substantial specimen, typically reaching 30 to 50 feet high and wide. A key draw for gardeners are the Morus alba fruits, which are sweet, edible, and valued by birds. However, potential staining from fallen fruit means careful placement is essential when selecting a site for this species.
Understanding the preferences of the White mulberry, such as its need for full sun for best results, allows gardeners to maximize its growth and fruit production. Though generally tough, understanding its pruning requirements will help manage its shape and prevent sap bleeding during improper seasons.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Moraceae
- Plant Type: Tree
- Native Range: China
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 30-50 ft
- Spread: 30-50 ft
- Bloom Time: March to April
- Bloom Description: Yellowish-green
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
The best planting time for Morus alba is typically early spring or fall, allowing time for establishment before temperature extremes hit. Locate this tree where its substantial size will not interfere with structures, as it is shallow-rooted and develops a wide crown. It thrives best in rich, moist, well-drained soils, although it demonstrates a tolerance for alkaline conditions and wider soil variations once established.
Watering needs are best characterized as medium; ensure consistent moisture during establishment, especially through dry summers. Fertilization is rarely mandatory given its vigor, but soil testing can guide any necessary amendments. Since White mulberry can bleed sap profusely, pruning should be strictly limited to late fall or winter when the tree is dormant.
This highly adaptable tree tolerates both heat and drought well, making it a resilient choice for difficult sites, though consistent moisture yields the best foliage display. Due to its tendency to sprawl and the potential for sap bleeding, careful seasonal timing related to pruning is crucial maintenance.
Landscape Uses
The suggested use for Morus alba is often to allow it to naturalize in less formal settings, such as large open fields, erosion control areas, or along forest margins. Its aggressive growth and rapid canopy establishment provide excellent screening or windbreak potential where manicured aesthetics are not the primary goal.
Gardeners must recognize the practical drawbacks when positioning the species tree near patios, driveways, or walkways. The sweet, sticky, fallen fruit of female trees can create significant staining hazards on pavement and vehicles.
For more controlled landscape applications, gardeners are advised to explore named cultivars like ‘Chaparral’ or ‘Pendula’, which often offer more refined shapes better suited for residential plantings than the standard, rugged White mulberry.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
- Edible
Noteworthy Characteristics
Morus alba, commonly called white mulberry is native to China and is recognized as a fast-growing, rounded, deciduous tree that can reach 30 to 50 feet tall and wide. The leaves have glossy surfaces that distinguish them from related species, and historically, these leaves have been vital as the primary diet for silkworms used in silk production. Fertilized female trees produce sweet, blackberry-like fruits in early summer that ripen to white or pink, which are highly attractive to local bird populations.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
Morus alba typically resists serious, widespread insect or disease outbreaks, but several minor issues must be monitored. Borers can pose a problem, particularly if the tree is stressed or located in the southern parts of its range.
Whiteflies may gather in large numbers on some susceptible trees, requiring management. Fungal issues like bacterial blight can cause foliage and branches to die back, while coral spot cankers result in noticeable twig dieback. If the tree is purchased for its fruit, be prepared for the resulting mess, as droppings are notorious for staining hardscaping and parked cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is White mulberry suitable for?
The White mulberry is suitable for gardeners located in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Morus alba grow?
This tree typically achieves a mature height between 30 and 50 feet, with an equivalent spread of 30 to 50 feet.
What sun exposure does Morus alba need?
Morus alba performs best when situated in full sun, though it can tolerate conditions featuring part shade.
When does White mulberry bloom?
Blooming occurs relatively early, from late March through April, producing small yellowish-green flowers.
Conclusion
The Morus alba, or White mulberry, offers gardeners a very fast-growing tree with the added bonus of edible, ornamental fruit loved by birds. While its history tied to silk production is fascinating, gardeners must proactively manage pruning to avoid sap bleeding and site the potentially messy fruiting tree away from clean structures. Before planting, always verify that the hardiness zone (4-8) is compatible with your local climate.
Wildlife Benefits
The fruit production of the White mulberry is a significant attraction for a wide variety of avian species. When female trees are successfully pollinated, the sweet, one-inch cylindrical drupes mature in June, providing a valuable, locally sourced early summer food supply for birds. This makes Morus alba an excellent choice for naturalizing areas or properties where attracting and supporting local wildlife is a priority.
Cultivar Selection Versus Species Plants
Many gardeners opt to select specific cultivars of Morus alba over the wild species tree for improved landscape performance. Cultivars are often bred for cleaner habits or superior fruit quality, offering a more refined presence in maintained gardens. For instance, weeping forms like Morus alba ‘Pendula’ provide a strong vertical or draping accent, while others focus on fruit characteristics or specific disease resistance, addressing the common concerns associated with the species regarding unkempt appearance and fruit mess.
