White mulberry

Profile

Family

Moraceae

Habit

Tree

Height

16.5 m

Spread

10 m

Growth

fast

Lifespan

160 years

First yield

after 7 years

Hardiness

zone 5–9

Shade tolerance

partial shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

dry – very moist

pH

7 – 8.5

Synonyms

Maulbeere

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: The fresh mulberry fruit has a mild sweetness but is generally bland, with approximately 1.5% protein, 0.5% fat, 8% carbohydrates, and 0.7% malic acid content. A specific 'Pendulum' variety of the fruit, tasted in July 1994, exhibited a pleasing taste. Upon drying, the fruit gains a more intense flavor and can be a viable alternative to raisins, reaching lengths of up to 25 mm. In times of scarcity, the young leaves and shoots of the mulberry tree can be cooked and consumed as food. These leaves are a good source of carotene and calcium. Protein supplements derived from young mulberry leaves can enhance low-protein diets. Dried leaves of the tree contain various nutrients like protein, magnesium, sugars, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, aluminum, iron, silica, sulfur, and tannin. The inner bark of the mulberry tree can be processed by roasting and grinding into a meal, serving as a thickening agent in soups or bread-making. It is believed that the tree produces edible manna. Additionally, the young shoots can be brewed as a tea alternative.

Medicinal: The white mulberry has a long history of use in Chinese medicine and is utilized in different forms. Its leaves have antibacterial and astringent qualities, beneficial for colds, flu, and eye infections. The stems possess antirheumatic and antispasmodic properties, effective in treating rheumatic pain. The fruit enhances kidney energy, aiding in conditions like urinary incontinence and insomnia. The root bark serves as an antiasthmatic remedy for asthma and coughs. Additionally, the plant exhibits antibacterial and fungicidal properties.

Other uses: The mulberry tree is highly versatile, offering various uses. Its fibers are utilized for weaving, while the trunk bark is valuable for papermaking in China and Europe. Twigs serve as binding material and for crafting baskets. A brown dye can be derived from the trunk, and the leaves contain 10% tannin. The 'Tartarica' variety thrives in colder climates and is commonly planted as a windbreak in Russia. Mulberry wood shows promise as a source of ethanol and is prized for its flexibility in producing sports equipment like tennis rackets and cricket bats. Additionally, it is employed in boat construction, furniture making, and agricultural tools, while also serving as a medium-quality firewood.

Growing

The white mulberry can grow in various soils, but it thrives in warm, well-drained loamy soil in a sunny spot. It shows some resistance to wind, although strong sea breezes can cause branches to die back. Certain types, like the 'Tatarica' cultivar, can withstand drought conditions. White mulberries are sometimes grown for their edible fruit, with different cultivars and subspecies varying in fruit quality. The M. alba multicaulis form, also known as M. multicaulis, is noted for its fruit. Dwarf varieties like 'Nana' and 'Fegyvernekiana' stay small, while 'Pendulum' produced a plentiful harvest of delicious fruit at Kew in July 1994. Mulberry trees have delicate roots and should be planted carefully. Pruning is best done in winter when the tree is dormant to avoid heavy bleeding. It's recommended to only prune poorly positioned branches and dead wood. These trees pair well with grapevines, which may be challenging to harvest but tend to be healthy and resistant to fungal diseases. Plants in this genus are resistant to the honey fungus.

Propagation

Seeds germinate best after undergoing cold stratification for 2-3 months and should be sown promptly or in February in a cold environment. Germination typically occurs in the first spring, but sometimes may take an additional 12 months. Once seedlings reach a suitable size, transfer them to individual containers for overwintering in a cold setting before planting them outdoors in late spring or early summer, post the final frosts. For semi-mature shoots, take 7-10 cm cuttings with a heel in July/August, place them in a cold frame, and transplant them outdoors in the following spring. While a significant portion of cuttings usually thrive, there might be instances where they struggle. For mature wood cuttings from the current year's growth, select 25-30 cm pieces with a heel of 2-year-old wood in autumn or spring, placing them in a cold frame or a shaded outdoor bed and burying them three-quarters deep. Layering should be done in the autumn.

Notable

Special features: heat-loving and pest-resistant; can be kept at a height of 1-3m by pruning; cuttings bear fruit in the second year; there are many varieties that often remain much smaller, including Morus alba with red and black fruits; grapes growing in mulberry trees remain healthy and fungus-free; leaves 20t/ha silkworm breeding (cultivated for parachutes in WWII);

Origin & habitat

East Asia - China.

Wet lowlands.

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