Species white mulberry
yellow-lime fruits with lime-green leaves, lime stems and brown branches

white mulberry

Morus alba

The White Mulberry (Morus alba) is a deciduous tree that can star reach a height of 50 feet. Its light green foliage changes to yellow in autumn and pairs well with its white berries which ripen in summer. This species closely resembles its red-fruited relatives and also has a spreading crown, rough bark and widely-spaced branchlets. White mulberry is a popular ornamental plant and makes a great addition to any garden, as it's highly adaptable and generally requires little maintenance. It is also used medicinally due to its immune-boosting properties and is an important food source for a variety of pollinators and wildlife.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Layering Propagation,Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Yellowish-green Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Fruits:

purple,pink,white Fruits Ready In

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water white mulberry plants frequently and deeply, to a depth of 8 to 12 inches, throughout the growing season. Water every 7-14 days during dry spells and during periods of high temperatures. For the first 2 years of growth, be sure to water deeply and frequently to help the plant become well-established. Furthermore, when planting new specimens, be sure to also water immediately after planting. Lastly, in the winter months during dormancy, reduce watering as needed.

sunlight

White mulberry (Morus alba) thrives in full sun. The optimal amount of sunlight needed for this plant species is 6 to 8 hours per day, which is best received during the spring and summer months when light intensity and duration are at their peak. The amount of sunlight needed is slightly less during the fall and winter months when light intensity and duration are reduced. When grown in lower-light conditions, the plant will become leggy and may produce fewer flowers and fruit. Therefore, to ensure optimum growth and production, white mulberry should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.

pruning

White mulberry (Morus alba) should be pruned during the late winter or early spring when it is dormant. Pruning is best done to control the size and shape of the tree and to encourage strong new growth. Generally, only small amounts of pruning should be done at a time. Remove dead branches, weak branches, and crossed limbs at any time. You can also remove up to 1-third of the branches annually, or every 2 to 3 years, to thin the crown and encourage fullness. Pruning should be done while the tree is still young for maximum benefit.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

White mulberry typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Morus alba (white mulberry) typically begins in June and continues through August.

Hardiness Map