Mulberry trees, particularly Morus alba (white mulberry), are cherished for their fast growth, delicious fruits, and historical significance, making them a standout choice for home gardens, orchards, and landscapes. Native to China and India, Morus alba belongs to the Moraceae family and is renowned for its role in sericulture, as its leaves are the primary food for silkworms.
This deciduous species thrives in USDA zones 4–9, offering sweet, juicy berries that range from white to pink, purple, or black, despite its “white” moniker referring to bud color, not always fruit. With heights of 10–20 meters (33–66 feet), glossy leaves, and a lifespan that can exceed 250 years, Morus alba is both ornamental and productive. Its adaptability to diverse soils, drought tolerance, and low maintenance make it ideal for temperate to subtropical climates. However, its invasive tendencies in regions like the United States and Australia require careful consideration.
Why Morus alba Mulberry Trees Are a Garden Staple
Morus alba mulberry trees are prized for their versatility, offering edible fruits, shade, and ecological benefits. Their berries, ripening from late spring to summer, are cylindrical drupes (2–6 cm long) that attract birds, squirrels, and humans alike, perfect for fresh eating, jams, or pies. The trees’ glossy, heart-shaped leaves, often lobed on young shoots, provide dense shade, while their orange-brown bark adds winter interest.
Hardy in zones 4b–9a, they tolerate temperatures as low as -36°C (-33°F) and thrive in full sun to partial shade with well-drained, loamy soils (pH 6.2–6.8). Historically, Morus alba fueled silk production, but failed industries in North America left it naturalized, sometimes hybridizing with native Morus rubra (red mulberry), raising conservation concerns. Despite invasiveness in some areas, fruitless or controlled cultivars are popular for urban landscapes.
Mulberry Trees (Morus alba)
1. Kingan
Kingan, a fruitless Morus alba cultivar, grows 10–15 meters tall with a broad, spreading canopy, making it ideal for shade without messy berries. Its dark green, glossy leaves turn yellow in fall, and its non-fruiting nature suits urban settings like lawns or patios. Hardy in zones 4–8, it’s drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun. Use Kingan as a street tree or windbreak in regions like California, spacing 15–20 feet apart. Its sterile nature prevents invasiveness, addressing concerns about Morus alba’s spread. Plant in well-drained soil to avoid root rot.
2. Pendula (Weeping Mulberry)
Pendula, a weeping Morus alba cultivar, reaches 6–10 meters with cascading branches that create a dramatic, umbrella-like form. Its glossy leaves and small, sweet, purplish-white fruits add ornamental and edible appeal. Hardy in zones 4–9, it thrives in full sun and loamy soil, blooming in May. Use Pendula as a focal point in small gardens or near patios, spacing 10–15 feet apart. Its fruit attracts birds but may stain surfaces, so avoid planting near walkways. Prune lightly to maintain its graceful shape.
3. Beautiful Day
Beautiful Day produces medium-small, sweet, white fruits that don’t stain, growing 10–15 meters tall with a rounded canopy. Its glossy leaves turn golden in fall, enhancing its ornamental value. Hardy in zones 5–9, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, resisting popcorn disease. Plant Beautiful Day in edible landscapes or backyards, spacing 15–20 feet apart, and pair with berry bushes for a fruit garden. Its mild flavor suits fresh eating or drying, making it a family-friendly choice for suburban settings.
4. Nikita White
Nikita White, sourced from the Nikita Botanic Garden, is a compact Morus alba growing 8–12 meters with a dense, rounded form. Its sweet, white berries and small, glossy leaves make it ideal for small yards. Hardy in zones 4–9, it thrives in full sun and tolerates poor soils. Use Nikita White in containers or as a hedge, spacing 10–15 feet apart. Its cold hardiness and disease resistance suit northern climates like Illinois, while its tidy habit minimizes cleanup.
5. Sweet Lavender
Sweet Lavender features honey-sweet, white fruits with lavender patches, growing 10–15 meters tall with a spreading canopy. Its glossy leaves and vibrant berries ripen in June, attracting wildlife. Hardy in zones 4–9, it prefers full sun and loamy soil, resisting leaf spot. Plant Sweet Lavender in orchards or near seating areas for shade and snacks, spacing 15–20 feet apart. Its unique fruit color adds visual interest, perfect for Instagram-worthy gardens in zones like Florida.
6. Shangri La
Shangri La, a southern-adapted cultivar, grows 10–15 meters with large, sweet, black fruits and glossy leaves. Thriving in humid climates (zones 6–9), it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, blooming in May. Use Shangri La in coastal gardens or as a shade tree, spacing 15–20 feet apart. Its complex, juicy berries are ideal for jams or wine, but plant away from sidewalks to avoid staining. Its vigorous growth suits large yards in states like Georgia.
7. Kosuso (Kokuso)
Kosuso, a Korean Morus alba (formerly M. latifolia), grows 8–12 meters with seedless, 2-inch, sweet, black fruits. Its compact form and glossy leaves suit small spaces, thriving in zones 4–9 with full sun. Plant Kosuso in urban gardens or as a fruiting hedge, spacing 10–15 feet apart. Its resistance to popcorn disease and cold hardiness make it a reliable choice for northern regions like New York. Harvest berries for fresh eating or preserves.
8. Unryu (Contorted Mulberry)
Unryu, a Japanese cultivar, reaches 8–12 meters with gnarled, twisted branches and glossy leaves, creating a sculptural focal point. Its small, sweet, black fruits are a bonus, ripening in June. Hardy in zones 4–9, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Use Unryu in Zen gardens or modern landscapes, spacing 10–15 feet apart. Its unique form adds year-round interest, especially in winter, but fruit may attract birds, so net if desired.
9. White Fruiting
White Fruiting grows 10–15 meters with pure white, intensely sweet berries and glossy leaves that turn yellow in fall. Hardy in zones 4–9, it thrives in full sun and tolerates clay soils. Plant White Fruiting in edible gardens or near patios, spacing 15–20 feet apart, for non-staining fruit ideal for kids. Its vigorous growth and cold tolerance suit regions like Ohio, but monitor for invasiveness in natural areas due to bird-dispersed seeds.
10. Illinois Everbearing (Morus alba x rubra)
Illinois Everbearing, a hybrid, grows 10–15 meters with sweet, black berries produced in cycles from spring to fall. Its glossy leaves and hardy nature (zones 4–8) make it a top choice for continuous harvests. Plant in full sun and loamy soil, spacing 15–20 feet apart, and use in orchards or backyards. Susceptible to popcorn disease in humid climates, it’s best for northern zones like Illinois. Its juicy berries are perfect for pies or drying.
11. Silk Hope (Morus alba x rubra)
Silk Hope, another hybrid, reaches 10–15 meters with medium-sized, black fruits and glossy leaves. Hardy in zones 4–8, it resists popcorn disease and thrives in full sun. Use Silk Hope in edible landscapes or as a shade tree, spacing 15–20 feet apart. Its sweet-tart berries, ripening in June, suit jams or fresh eating, and its cold hardiness makes it ideal for Midwest gardens like those in Iowa.
12. Oscar (Morus alba x rubra)
Oscar, named after naturalist Oscar Clark, grows 10–15 meters with medium, black fruits and glossy leaves. Hardy in zones 4–8, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming in May. Plant Oscar in backyards or orchards, spacing 15–20 feet apart, for reliable harvests. Its sweet berries are great for baking, and its vigorous growth suits rural settings in states like Maryland. Prune to maintain shape and fruit quality.
13. Pakistan
Pakistan, a Morus alba cultivar, grows 10–15 meters with long (2–3 inch), sweet, reddish-black fruits that ripen in May–June. Its glossy leaves and drought tolerance suit zones 5–9. Plant in full sun and loamy soil, spacing 15–20 feet apart, for orchards or edible hedges. Pakistan’s complex flavor shines in jellies or fresh, but its staining fruit requires careful placement. Its adaptability makes it popular in southern states like Texas.
14. Wellington (Morus alba x rubra)
Wellington, a hybrid from New York, grows 10–15 meters with sweet, black berries and glossy leaves. Hardy in zones 4–8, it thrives in full sun and resists disease, blooming in May. Use Wellington in large yards or as a shade tree, spacing 15–20 feet apart. Its abundant fruit, ideal for preserves, attracts wildlife, so net if harvesting. Its cold tolerance suits northern climates like Pennsylvania.
15. Fruitless Mulberry (Stribling)
Fruitless Mulberry (Stribling), a sterile Morus alba cultivar, grows 12–18 meters tall with a wide, spreading canopy, ideal for shade without the mess of berries. Its glossy, dark green leaves turn yellow in fall, and its non-fruiting nature prevents invasiveness, making it a top choice for urban settings. Hardy in zones 4–8, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought. Use Stribling as a street tree, lawn centerpiece, or windbreak, spacing 15–20 feet apart. Its low pollen output suits allergy-prone areas like Southern California, ensuring clean landscapes.
16. Teas Weeping
Teas Weeping, a compact weeping Morus alba, reaches 6–10 meters with cascading branches and sweet, black fruits. Its glossy leaves and delicate form create a romantic focal point, blooming in May. Hardy in zones 4–9, it prefers full sun and loamy soil. Plant Teas Weeping in small gardens or near water features, spacing 10–15 feet apart, to highlight its graceful silhouette. Its berries attract birds, so place away from patios to avoid staining. Prune lightly to enhance its drooping architecture.
17. Persian Mulberry
Persian Mulberry, a fruiting Morus alba cultivar, grows 10–15 meters with sweet, deep black berries that ripen in June. Its glossy leaves and rounded canopy provide dense shade, turning golden in fall. Hardy in zones 5–9, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, resisting leaf spot. Use Persian Mulberry in orchards or edible landscapes, spacing 15–20 feet apart, for jams or fresh eating. Its rich flavor and cultural ties to Middle Eastern cuisine make it ideal for diverse gardens in states like Arizona.
18. Red Gelato
Red Gelato, a newer cultivar, grows 8–12 meters with medium-sized, sweet, reddish-black fruits and glossy leaves. Its compact, upright form suits small yards, thriving in zones 4–9 with full sun. Plant Red Gelato in containers or as a fruiting hedge, spacing 10–15 feet apart, for fresh snacks or desserts. Its cold hardiness and disease resistance make it a reliable choice for northern climates like Michigan. Harvest berries early to avoid overripening and staining.
19. White Beauty
White Beauty produces large, creamy-white, non-staining fruits with a honey-like sweetness, growing 10–15 meters tall with a broad canopy. Its glossy leaves turn yellow in fall, enhancing its ornamental appeal. Hardy in zones 4–9, it thrives in full sun and tolerates poor soils. Use White Beauty in family-friendly gardens or near patios, spacing 15–20 feet apart, for kid-safe fruit. Its vigorous growth suits regions like Oregon, but monitor for bird-dispersed seeds to prevent spread.
20. Black Beauty
Black Beauty, a heavy-fruiting cultivar, reaches 10–15 meters with sweet, jet-black berries and glossy leaves. Thriving in zones 5–9, it prefers full sun and loamy soil, blooming in May. Plant Black Beauty in orchards or backyards, spacing 15–20 feet apart, for pies or wine. Its juicy berries stain, so avoid planting near walkways. Its drought tolerance and disease resistance make it ideal for hot climates like Texas, where it adds shade and flavor.
21. Dwarf Everbearing
Dwarf Everbearing, a compact Morus alba, grows 3–6 meters with small, sweet, black fruits produced in cycles from spring to fall. Its glossy leaves suit small spaces, thriving in zones 4–9 with full sun. Use Dwarf Everbearing in containers, patios, or edible hedges, spacing 8–10 feet apart. Its continuous harvest and cold hardiness make it perfect for urban gardens in zones like Wisconsin. Protect from popcorn disease in humid areas with good air circulation.
22. Issai
Issai, a dwarf Japanese cultivar, reaches 3–5 meters with sweet, black fruits and glossy leaves, ideal for small gardens or bonsai. Hardy in zones 4–9, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming in May. Plant Issai in pots or as a low hedge, spacing 6–8 feet apart, for fresh eating or drying. Its compact size and disease resistance suit northern climates like Minnesota, offering easy harvests for small households.
23. White Pakistan
White Pakistan, a Morus alba cultivar, grows 10–15 meters with long, white, sweet fruits that ripen in May–June. Its glossy leaves and spreading canopy provide shade, turning yellow in fall. Hardy in zones 5–9, it prefers full sun and loamy soil. Use White Pakistan in edible landscapes or near seating areas, spacing 15–20 feet apart, for non-staining fruit. Its mild flavor suits southern zones like Louisiana, but net berries to prevent wildlife spread.
24. Russian Mulberry
Russian Mulberry, a cold-hardy Morus alba, grows 10–15 meters with small, sweet, black fruits and glossy leaves. Thriving in zones 3–9, it tolerates extreme cold (-40°C) and poor soils, blooming in May. Plant Russian Mulberry in northern orchards or windbreaks, spacing 15–20 feet apart, for preserves or wildlife feed. Its resilience suits harsh climates like Montana, but monitor for invasiveness due to seed dispersal. Prune to control suckering.
25. Collier
Collier, a Morus alba hybrid, reaches 10–15 meters with large, sweet, black fruits and glossy leaves. Hardy in zones 4–8, it thrives in full sun and resists popcorn disease, blooming in June. Use Collier in backyards or orchards, spacing 15–20 feet apart, for fresh eating or baking. Its vigorous growth and cold tolerance make it ideal for Midwest gardens like those in Indiana. Harvest promptly to avoid staining surfaces.
26. Morus alba ‘Tatarica’
Morus alba ‘Tatarica’, a historic cultivar, grows 12–18 meters with small, sweet, reddish-black fruits and glossy leaves. Hardy in zones 3–9, it thrives in full sun and tolerates drought, blooming in May. Plant Tatarica in rural landscapes or as a shade tree, spacing 15–20 feet apart, for jellies or wildlife. Its extreme hardiness suits northern zones like North Dakota, but its seeds can spread, so manage suckers and fruit drop.
27. Four Seasons
Four Seasons, a fruiting Morus alba, grows 10–15 meters with sweet, black berries produced in multiple flushes from spring to summer. Its glossy leaves turn golden in fall, thriving in zones 4–9 with full sun. Use Four Seasons in orchards or edible gardens, spacing 15–20 feet apart, for extended harvests. Its disease resistance suits humid zones like South Carolina, but net fruit to limit bird dispersal. Its berries are ideal for pies or fresh snacks.
28. Morus alba ‘Alba’
Morus alba ‘Alba’, a classic cultivar, grows 10–15 meters with pure white, sweet fruits and glossy leaves, turning yellow in fall. Hardy in zones 4–9, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming in May. Plant Alba in family gardens or near patios, spacing 15–20 feet apart, for non-staining fruit. Its mild flavor and cold tolerance suit regions like Virginia, but monitor for invasiveness in natural areas. Prune to maintain structure.
29. Morus alba ‘Multicaulis’
Morus alba ‘Multicaulis’, bred for silkworm cultivation, grows 8–12 meters with sweet, black fruits and large, glossy leaves. Hardy in zones 4–9, it thrives in full sun and loamy soil, blooming in May. Use Multicaulis in heritage gardens or orchards, spacing 10–15 feet apart, for fruit or leaf harvest. Its compact size suits small farms in zones like Kentucky, but its fruit attracts wildlife, so manage spread. Its leaves are ideal for educational projects.
30. Red King
Red King, a vigorous cultivar, reaches 10–15 meters with large, sweet, reddish-black fruits and glossy leaves. Thriving in zones 5–9, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, blooming in June. Plant Red King in orchards or backyards, spacing 15–20 feet apart, for jams or fresh eating. Its juicy berries stain, so avoid planting near sidewalks. Its drought tolerance suits southern zones like Alabama, adding shade and flavor to landscapes.
31. Dwarf Black Issai
Dwarf Black Issai, a compact Morus alba, grows 3–5 meters with small, sweet, black fruits and glossy leaves, perfect for small spaces or bonsai. Hardy in zones 4–9, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming in May. Use Dwarf Black Issai in containers or edible hedges, spacing 6–8 feet apart, for easy harvests. Its cold hardiness suits northern zones like Maine, offering a tidy, productive option for urban gardeners.
32. Morus alba ‘Mapleleaf’
Morus alba ‘Mapleleaf’, named for its deeply lobed leaves, grows 10–15 meters with sweet, black fruits and a rounded canopy. Hardy in zones 4–9, it thrives in full sun and tolerates clay soils, blooming in May. Plant Mapleleaf in ornamental or edible gardens, spacing 15–20 feet apart, for shade and fruit. Its unique foliage and cold tolerance suit regions like Missouri, but net berries to control spread. Its berries are great for preserves or wildlife feed.
Growing Morus alba Mulberry Trees: Essential Tips
Plant Morus alba in spring or fall in full sun (4+ hours daily) with well-drained, loamy to clayey soil (pH 6.2–6.8). Dig a hole twice the root ball’s width, planting at the same depth as the nursery container. Water deeply (2–3 gallons weekly) for the first year, then reduce as trees are drought-tolerant once established. Fertilize in spring with a balanced 10-10-10 formula, avoiding excess nitrogen to prevent weak growth. Prune in late winter to remove dead or crowded branches, shaping young trees to a strong scaffold. Monitor for popcorn disease (especially in Illinois Everbearing) or leaf spot, treating with fungicides if needed. In invasive-prone areas, choose fruitless cultivars like Kingan or net fruiting trees to limit seed dispersal by birds. Propagate via cuttings or grafting to maintain cultivar traits, as seeds may not breed true.
Design Ideas for Morus alba Landscapes
Morus alba varieties enhance diverse landscapes. Plant Pendula as a weeping centerpiece in small gardens, underplanted with lavender for contrast. Use Kingan or Shangri La as shade trees in large yards, paired with low-growing junipers to highlight their bark. Create an edible hedge with Nikita White or Kosuso, spacing 10–15 feet apart, alongside raspberries for a fruit-focused border. Grow Unryu in modern or Asian-inspired gardens with bamboo for textural drama. Plant Sweet Lavender or Beautiful Day near patios for non-staining fruit, accented by white petunias. These designs attract pollinators and birds, boosting biodiversity, while providing shade and aesthetic appeal. Avoid planting near sidewalks to prevent fruit staining.
Health and Environmental Benefits
Morus alba mulberries are nutrient-rich, offering vitamin C, iron, and antioxidants per 100g (1.2g protein, 0.85g fat, 70g carbs when dried). Their leaves support silkworms, historically vital to silk production, and host beneficial insects like ladybirds. The trees sequester carbon, provide shade to reduce urban heat, and tolerate poor soils, aiding ecorestoration. Wildlife, including birds and squirrels, rely on the fruit, though this contributes to invasiveness via seed dispersal. The wood is used for crafts, and leaves have medicinal uses in traditional remedies for colds or inflammation. However, unripe fruit and sap are mildly toxic, and pollen from male trees can trigger allergies, so consider female or fruitless cultivars in urban areas.
Challenges and Conservation
Morus alba’s invasiveness in North America, particularly its hybridization with Morus rubra, threatens native mulberry populations, especially in Pennsylvania, where genetic swamping is a concern. Popcorn disease (Ciboria carunculoides) affects some varieties like Illinois Everbearing in humid climates, ruining fruit. In areas like Queensland, Australia, it’s an environmental weed, requiring control. Choose non-invasive cultivars like Kingan or Nikita White and remove suckers to limit spread. Conservation efforts, like those at Morris Arboretum, focus on preserving Morus rubra through genetic studies. Monitor for leaf spot or pests like scale, using organic treatments like neem oil. Avoid planting in ecologically sensitive areas, and consult local authorities, as some U.S. states restrict Morus alba.