White Mulberry (Morus alba)

White Mulberry
Scientific Name: Morus alba L.
Synonym: Morus tatarica
Family: Moraceae

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Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 1: 631. Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: All zones
USDA: 5-10

Sun Exposure: Full sun
Origin: China, Japan
Growth Habits: Small to medium-sized tree, 20 to 50 feet tall and wide (6-15 m);light grey trunk; the light green leaves are 2 to 5 inches long (5-12.5 cm), 3 to 6 inches wide (7.5-15 cm); 'Stribling' has maple-shaped leaves
Propagation: Seeds, cuttings, or graftings

Trees are extensively grown (e.g. southern Europe, India) for their leaves as food for silkworms. The leaves can also be used as vegetable.
The mulberry can have a very attractive shape as a moderate size tree. Unfortunately the practice of cutting the branches back to the main trunk leaves it difformed, not reaching its potential, just give it a chance!
Mulberry pollen is an allergen, particularly in desert climates, and because of that, the sale of that tree is restricted in a number of locations.

Blooming Habits:
The white mulberry is dioecious (occasionally monoecious), male and female catkins are 1 to 3 inches long (2.5 to 7.5 cm) in early spring, the male flowers being narrower.

Fruiting Habits:
White, pink or purple drupes, 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) long, in early summer. The unripe fruits shouldn't be eaten as, like the mulberry sap, slightly toxic. The fruits may be eaten raw or cooked, but for most mulberry encountered in the trade in the US, the fruits are inferior, suitable only for birds. The fruits can be a nuisance when the tree is placed over concrete surface can be stained by the falling fruits.

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