Black Mulberry
Morus nigra · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Moraceae
Tree Category
Fruit / Ornamental / Shade Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species (Morus nigra); distinguished from M. alba by its rougher leaf texture and larger, sweeter black fruit.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 5-9; well-adapted to Mediterranean climates like the Amalfi Coast.
About This Tree
A slow-growing, rugged tree with a broad, spreading crown that often becomes gnarled and picturesque with age. It features dense foliage, inconspicuous catkin flowers, and highly prized aggregate fruits resembling blackberries.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate leaves; heart-shaped (cordate) at the base with a pointed tip; margins are coarsely serrated; surface is notably rough or scabrous on top and hairy beneath; color is dark dull green, turning yellow in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Gray-brown to orange-brown; develops deep fissures and a scaly, rugged texture as the tree matures; younger stems are smoother and reddish-brown.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Western Asia and the Middle East; long-naturalized throughout the Mediterranean and Europe.
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring (often the last to do so to avoid frost); flowers in May; fruits ripen from green to red to deep black in mid-to-late summer; enters dormancy in late autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun is required for best fruit production; moderate water needs once established; moderate drought tolerance but prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 30 to 40 feet in height and spread; slow growth rate; can live for several hundred years.
Special Characteristics
Produces edible, sweet-tart fruit used in jams and desserts; highly resistant to most pests; historically significant in the Mediterranean; fruit can stain pavement and structures.
Wildlife & Ecology
Fruits are a high-energy food source for birds and small mammals; leaves are the primary food source for silkworms (though record suggests M. alba is preferred for commercial silk); provides excellent nesting cover for birds.
Notes
Seen on amalfi coast. Small black fruit maybe mulberries?