White Mulberry
Morus alba · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Moraceae
Tree Category
Fruit Tree, Shade Tree, Invasive/Weedy Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type (Morus alba species)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4a to 9b. Highly adaptable to extreme cold down to -30°F (-34°C) as well as heat and urban conditions.
About This Tree
A fast-growing, medium-sized deciduous tree with a dense, spreading, rounded crown. Noted for its highly variable leaf shapes (heterophyllous), ranging from unlobed heart-shaped leaves to deeply lobed forms on the same tree. It bears sweet, edible blackberry-like fruits that turn from white/pink to dark purple or red.
Leaf Characteristics
Leaves are simple, alternate, light to medium glossy green, coarsely serrated or dentate on margins, heart-shaped (cordate) at the base with an acuminate tip. Leaves exhibit extreme heterophylly (variable lobing), measuring 3 to 7 inches long. Upper surface is smooth and shiny, while the underside has prominent palmate venation with slight hairs along the main veins.
Bark Characteristics
Young twigs are slender, yellowish-green to orange-brown. Older bark becomes light brownish-gray to orange-brown, developing long, shallow, narrow furrows with rounded, scaly ridges.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to central and eastern China; widely naturalized across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Growing Season
Leafs out in spring (April-May), flowers in late spring, produces fruit in early to mid-summer (June-July), and drops leaves in late autumn (October-November).
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun to partial shade. Moderately drought-tolerant once established; prefers moist, well-drained soils but adapts to almost any soil type including dry, sandy, or heavy clay soils.
Mature Size
Reaches a mature height of 30 to 50 feet with a equal or greater canopy spread of 30 to 50 feet. Fast growth rate (2 to 3 feet per year). Typical lifespan is 75 to 100 years.
Special Characteristics
Produces edible, sweet fruits rich in antioxidants. Extremely high urban tolerance (tolerates air pollution, poor soil, road salt, and drought). Leaves are the primary food source for silkworms (Bombyx mori). Considered weed-like or invasive in some regions due to aggressive self-seeding by birds.
Wildlife & Ecology
Ecologically significant food source; fruits are heavily consumed by songbirds, squirrels, raccoons, and small mammals. Provides dense canopy cover for nesting birds. Serves as a host plant for silkworms and various butterfly and moth larvae.