A large tree with bright yellow autumn leaves stands in a grassy park area, with buildings, parked cars, and a clear blue sky in the background.

White Mulberry Tree

1-2ft
$45.95
$45.95
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A large tree with bright yellow autumn leaves stands in a grassy park area, with buildings, parked cars, and a clear blue sky in the background.
  • A large tree with bright yellow autumn leaves stands in a grassy park area, with buildings, parked cars, and a clear blue sky in the background.
  • photo of white mulberries at an early growth state
  • Plant size guide showing different plant heights with corresponding measurements.
  • Close-up of mulberries on a branch, including a ripe dark red berry cluster, a pinkish unripe berry, green leaves, and a black background.
  • A large tree with bright yellow autumn leaves stands in a grassy park area, with buildings, parked cars, and a clear blue sky in the background.
  • photo of white mulberries at an early growth state
  • Plant size guide showing different plant heights with corresponding measurements.
  • Close-up of mulberries on a branch, including a ripe dark red berry cluster, a pinkish unripe berry, green leaves, and a black background.
White Mulberry Tree

White Mulberry Tree

$45.95
$45.95
Size

Morus alba

The White Mulberry is a fast-growing, highly resilient deciduous tree that carries immense historical significance and provides abundant seasonal bounty to the landscape. Celebrated globally as the foundational plant of the ancient silk industry, this adaptable beauty transitions gracefully through the seasons while offering substantial ornamental and ecological value.

In mid-spring, it unfurls vibrant green foliage accompanied by subtle catkin blooms. By summer, these flowers mature into heavy crops of sweet, juicy berries that range from white to pink and dark purple, acting as an absolute magnet for local wildlife and foragers alike. As autumn arrives, the leaves turn a cheerful golden-yellow before dropping to reveal a strong, branching canopy that provides striking architectural interest against the winter sky.

The Ecological Footprint

  • Wildlife Haven: A premier food source, offering heavy yields of nutritious berries that draw dozens of species of migrating birds and local mammals.

  • The Summer Feast: Produces fruit that ripens progressively over an extended period rather than all at once, ensuring a continuous, reliable food supply during the peak of summer.

  • Soil Adaptor: Highly capable of establishing in disturbed or challenging areas, utilizing a robust root system that helps anchor loose terrain.

  • Canopy Provider: Rapidly develops a broad, cooling expanse of shade, making it an exceptional choice for microclimate management and backyard habitat creation.

The Honest Harvest (What to Expect)

  • The Perks: Exceptionally fast-growing, remarkably drought-tolerant once established, highly adaptable to poor or rocky soils, and naturally self-fertile for effortless fruit production.

  • The Caveats: The heavy fruit drop can create a temporary mess on paved walkways or patios if planted too close to human structures, and the deeply pigmented juices from ripe berries can stain fabrics. Siting the tree away from high-traffic hardscapes is recommended.

Specifications

  • Botanical Name: Morus alba

  • Common Names: White Mulberry, Common Mulberry, Silkworm Mulberry

  • Mature Height: 30–50 feet

  • Mature Width: 30–40 feet

  • Growth Rate: Fast (2–3 feet per year)

  • Lifespan: 50+ years

  • USDA Zones: 4–8

  • Chill Hours: *

  • Sun Preference: Full sun to partial shade

  • Soil Type: Extremely adaptable; thrives in loamy, sandy, or clay soils, tolerating poor or dry conditions

  • Soil pH: Adaptable (6.0–7.5)

  • Water Needs: Low to moderate; highly drought-tolerant once established, preferring occasional deep watering during extended dry spells

  • Flower Color: Greenish-white; mid-spring

  • Fruit Type: Cluster of multiple small drupes (mulberries), ripening from white/pink to dark purple; summer

  • Pollinators: *

  • Growth Habit: Upright, spreading, and rounded deciduous tree canopy

  • Spacing: 25–30 feet apart for individual canopy development

  • Landscape Uses: Fruit orchards, wildlife gardens, shade trees, large yard naturalizing, historical plantings

  • Maintenance Level: Low (occasional corrective pruning to shape canopy)

Planting & Care Guide

  • Hydration: Water newly planted trees thoroughly to settle the root ball, maintaining consistent moisture through the first growing season to encourage deep root establishment.

  • Siting: Choose an open location with full sun to partial shade and plenty of room for its expansive canopy to mature, keeping fruit-drop zones clear of walkways.

  • Mulching: Apply a wide 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture, keeping the mulch pulled back directly from the trunk.

  • Establishment: Benefit from regular, deep irrigation during the first two summers; established trees display impressive resilience against dry spells and heat.

  • Pruning: Perform structural pruning in late winter while the tree is fully dormant. Remove any crossing, damaged, or low-hanging branches to maintain clean airflow and a strong framework.

  • Fertilization: Generally unnecessary in standard garden soils. If growth slows or soil quality is extremely poor, a light application of balanced organic compost in early spring will supply adequate nutrients.

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