Morus alba, known as white mulberry, common mulberry and silkworm mulberry is native to China. It is a rounded, fast-growing, deciduous tree that typically grows to 30-50’ tall and as wide. It usually develops a wide-spreading crown with age. White mulberry is usually dioecious (separate male and female trees), but sometimes is monoecious. Small yellowish-green flowers in drooping catkins bloom in spring (March-April). Fertilized flowers on female trees are followed by sweet, edible blackberry-like fruits (cylindrical drupes to 1” long) that mature in June. Fruits ripen to white or pink. Fruits are loved by birds. Glossy, rounded, usually 2-3 lobed (but sometimes unlobed), dark green leaves (to 8” long) have serrate margins and uneven (sometimes cordate) bases.
Best grown in rich, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun. Prune in late fall or winter to avoid bleeding. Tolerates heat, drought and a somewhat wide range of soils, including alkaline ones. Shallow rooted.
In early spring the white mulberry produces insignificant flowers which are followed by large quantities of insipid yet edible raspberry-like fruit. It is considered a nuisance for littering pavement with fruits, but is appealing to birds and other forms of wildlife. White mulberry grows in all soil types provided they are well drained. This tree is notoriously surface rooted, which can damage paving and foundations. It is a very fast grower if provided regular water, but is also very drought resistant. To compensate for prolonged drought trees simply slow growth and may become stunted over time. Due to the fruit, the species is rarely grown in gardens, but its many fruitless cultivars have become a staple shade maker for homes in the far western states.
USDA Zone: 4 to 8
GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
Can be sown directly, but 30 cold/moist stratification is really recommended.
Time to sow - January to April inside or in cold frame.
Prior to sowing soak seeds for 24 hours and sow on the surface of moist clean soil or stratify prior sowing - it will increase the germination rate. Create a mix of 1:1 seed compost and sharp sand or vermiculite which is moist but not wet. Add soaked seeds to the mix and place in a ziplock bag. Place in the fridge at +2-+4 for 1 month and after sow on the surface of moist soil. Press seeds lightly.
Cover with glass or clear plastic and keep at room temperature in bright place.
Seeds will germinate in 1-2 weeks.
Fresh seeds are packed in ziplock bags!
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