Morus alba bombycis
white mulberry
A small to mid-sized deciduous tree, with a spreading habit and ovate to heart-shaped, glossy, toothed green leaves, turning pale yellow in autumn. Pale green catkins are produced in late spring and early summer, followed by edible, raspberry-like fruits that begin white and develop to reddish-pink or near-black. Silkworms are traditionally fed on the leaves of this tree
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | White Pink Red Black | |
| Autumn | Green Yellow | White Pink Red Black | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Moraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- 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
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, fertile soil in full sun, with shelter from cold, dry winds. See mulberry cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed, by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by hardwood cuttings in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Edible fruit
Pruning
Pruning group 1, in late autumn or early winter to avoid bleeding
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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