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In response to several questions and comments about mulberries last week, I am posting this information on mulberries as a shade tree and as a fruit producing plant.
These trees produce black, white or red fruit and the birds love them. These trees have been around since before Roman times. The fruitless types make fast growing shade trees and the fruiting types are somewhat messy.
There are several Mulberry species that exist, but most authorities focus on three major species. These are the Red Mulberry (Morus rubra), native to the southeast US, the White Mulberry (M. alba) that comes from China and the common Black Mulberry (M. nigra) from the Middle East. These plants are related to breadfruit and the figs.
Red Mulberry trees grow rapidly but this rapid growth makes weaker branches and causes the tree to have a shorter life.
While our callers last week wanted fruit, people familiar with mulberries often consider the fruit to be both a blessing and a curse. Mulberries attract wildlife with its fruit and these reduce the amount of fruit available for humans. However a good sized mulberry tree grows enough fruit for both.
Because the birds love the fruit and because it drops freely, it is important to plant mulberry trees away from your house and any paved driveways and sidewalks.
Otherwise the berries and the bird can cause major stains on the from their "calling card" on nearby buildings or your car,.
The White Mulberry from China was introduced to the US by the British in the 1700's. They tried (unsuccessfully) to establish a silk industry with this tree as silkworm food. A similar experiment was tried in Utah's Dixie as the Mormon pioneers tried to establish a silk industry there.
The leaves of this exotic tree are larger and do not have the hairiness of the leaves of the merican species. The fruit is inferior for human consumption because it is not tart. The white color does not stain pavement or other surfaces.
Fruit from the Black Mulberry are the best in terms of fruit quality. This species grows well here but does better in warmer climates.
Red Mulberries have wide spreading branches and a round shape. They can have male and female flowers on the same plant (monoecious) or on separate plants (dioecious).The trees flower in the spring and the fruits mature about two months later.
Mulberry fruits resemble blackberries and are 1 to 1½ inches long. They are red when they are green or immature and turn dark purple to black when ripe. They are very sweet and make good juice or jam.
As a shade tree it is tolerant of air pollution, dry conditions, and resists most pests, Mulberries perform its best on moist soils. There are fruitless white mulberry trees which are cloned male trees and these make the best landscape trees.
There are some dwarf cultivars. Geraldi dwarf gets only six feet high and Weeping Fruiting makes an attractive, umbrella shaped tree. The cold hardiness of these trees vary so make certain to select those that grow well in your area.
Written by: Larry A. Sagers Extension Horticulture Specialist Utah State University Thanksgiving Point Office
