Morus nigra (F)
black mulberry
A small, broad-crowned, deciduous tree with dark green, heart-shaped leaves to 12cm in length, turning yellow in autumn. The flowers are insignificant and greenish, followed by fruits that are around 2cm in length, dark purplish-red and edible. A number of cultivated varieties have been developed from this species
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | Purple Red | |
| Autumn | Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Moraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Morus are deciduous trees and shrubs with broadly ovate, sometimes deeply lobed leaves and inconspicuous green flowers followed by usually edible white, red or black fruit
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SW Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, humus-rich, fertile soils with shelter from cold, dry winds. Prune in late autumn or early winter to avoid bleeding. See mulberry cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn or by semi-hardwood cuttings in mid-summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Edible fruit
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to mulberry leaf spot, mulberry canker, coral spot, powdery mildews and honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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