white mulberry

Morus alba

tree☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate waterZone 5a – Zone 8b

A fast-growing deciduous tree valued for its sweet white berries and shade production. Hardy and adaptable to various soil types, though it can become invasive in some regions.

Overview

Form: Rounded
Growth Rate: fast
Size: 30–50′ tall × 30–50′ wide
Dormancy: deciduous

Tolerances & Soil

Drought Tolerance

moderate

USDA Hardiness Zone

Zone 5a

Zone 8b

pH Range

Soil Texture

Coarse, Medium, Fine

Seasonality

Bloom Season

Harvest Season

Season of Interest

SpringSummer

Forest Layer Placement

Sub-canopy

Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.

Succession Role

pioneerearly successional

Native Range

Eastern Asia

Function & Care

Functional Roles

biomass/mulchediblehedgerowpollinator nectarywildlife benefit

Coppiceable

Edible Parts

fruitleaf

Establishment & Care

Establishment: easy
Maintenance: low
Years to Bearing: 3 years
Propagation: seed, cutting, layering

Companion Planting

Plants well with

lowbush blueberry

Vaccinium angustifolium

Anecdotal

Mulberry trees create partial shade and leaf litter that maintains acidic soil conditions preferred by blueberries while improving microclimate.

Notable Cultivars

'Illinois Everbearing' and 'Sweetwater' are popular cultivars selected for extended fruiting seasons and superior sweetness; 'Pendula' is an ornamental weeping form.