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The white mulberry tree (Morus alba) is a fast-growing Asian fruit tree, adding 2 to 3 feet a year and reaching 30 to 50 feet in USDA zones 4 to 9. Plant it bare root in early spring in full sun, water deeply the first year, and prune lightly in late winter, but check local invasive lists first.

What Is the White Mulberry Tree?

The white mulberry tree, Morus alba, is a deciduous tree native to China. It was brought to North America in colonial times to start a silk industry. The name comes from its white flower buds, not always its fruit. Leaves are glossy and often lobed, and the tree has a broad, rounded crown.

White Mulberry Fruit and Flavor

Mulberries look like small blackberries and ripen in late spring to early summer. The fruit is very sweet, with mild acidity, and is suitable for fresh, dried, or cooked use.

White, Lavender, and Black Fruit Colors

Despite its name, this species may produce white, lavender, pink, or nearly black fruit. White types are the sweetest and least messy, while darker fruit has a richer flavor.

Growth Rate and White Mulberry Hardiness Zone

A white mulberry tree grows quickly, often 2 to 3 feet per year when young. Mature trees reach 30 to 50 feet tall and about as wide, though pruning keeps them smaller. They're hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9 and handle heat, drought, wind, and poor soil.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Planting One

Every tree comes with trade-offs, and mulberry is no exception. On the plus side, it grows fast, fruits early, tolerates tough sites, and feeds birds and wildlife. It also gives quick shade, often within just a few years of planting. Its leaves turn a soft yellow in fall, and the tree tolerates urban conditions like compacted soil and road salt better than many fruit trees.

Messy Fruit Near Hard Surfaces

Dropped fruit can stain sidewalks, patios, and cars. Plant away from hard surfaces, or choose a fruitless male cultivar for shade only.

Invasiveness and Hybridizing With Native Red Mulberry

Birds spread mulberry seeds widely. In parts of North America, white mulberry has naturalized and crossbreeds with native red mulberry (Morus rubra), which threatens the purity of the native species.

Where and How to Plant a Bare Root White Mulberry

Select a spacious, sunny location with soil that drains well. Plant a bare-root mulberry in early spring while it's dormant.

Soak the roots in water for a few hours. Make the hole twice the width of the spread-out roots and deep enough to keep the root flare at ground level. Spread roots out, backfill with native soil, and water well. Add 2 to 3 inches of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk. A bare-root white mulberry tree is a simple way to start.

White Mulberry Tree Care and Pruning

Water young trees weekly during their first year, giving them a deep soak rather than a light sprinkle. After that, water only in long dry spells. Mature trees have deep roots and handle drought well. Mulberries rarely need fertilizer.

Prune in late winter to remove dead, crossing, or crowded branches, and to keep fruit within reach. Avoid heavy pruning, since mulberries bleed sap when cut in spring.

 

Young trees are a favorite of deer, which browse tender shoots and bark. We recommend coyote urine for white-tailed deer, since it signals a natural predator.

Here's how to set up deer repellent near young trees. Reapply after heavy rain, and use a tree guard on the trunk.

Uses for Fruit, Wildlife, and Silkworm Leaves

Mulberry fruit is great in jams, pies, smoothies, and dried snacks. Birds such as cardinals, robins, and orioles love the berries, making it a strong wildlife tree.

White mulberry leaves are also the main food of silkworms, and some people dry them for tea. Ripe fruit also draws squirrels, which fox urine for squirrels can discourage.

Is It Legal or Invasive in Your State?

White mulberry is listed as invasive or a weed in some states and regions, while it's sold freely in others.

Checking Your State's Invasive List

Before planting one, check your state's invasive species list or ask your local extension office. Removing seedlings that pop up nearby helps limit its spread.

Native Alternatives to White Mulberry

If white mulberry is a concern in your area, consider native red mulberry, serviceberry, elderberry, or American persimmon. These trees also offer fruit for people and wildlife. Red mulberry, in particular, gives you similar berries while supporting native ecosystems.

Serviceberry adds white spring flowers and red fall color, and elderberry thrives in moist spots where mulberry might struggle. Fruitless mulberry cultivars are another option if you want shade without the mess.

Growing a Generous Shade Tree Responsibly

The white mulberry tree is fast-growing, tough, and generous with sweet fruit for you and the birds. Plant it in full sun with plenty of room, water young trees deeply, and prune lightly in late winter.

Pick fruit as it ripens, or spread a sheet below and shake the branches. Protect young trees from deer, and check local rules first, since it's invasive in some areas.

If it suits your region, a 1- to 2-foot bare-root Morus alba settles in quickly and starts fruiting within a few years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Fast Does a White Mulberry Tree Grow?

Young trees often grow 2 to 3 feet per year and reach 30 to 50 feet, thriving across the white mulberry hardiness zone range of 4 to 9.

Is White Mulberry Fruit Edible?

Yes. Ripe white mulberry fruit is sweet and can be eaten fresh, dried, or cooked. Unripe fruit can upset your stomach.

What Is the Difference Between White and Red Mulberry?

In the white mulberry vs. red mulberry comparison, white is native to Asia with glossy leaves, while red is native to North America with rougher, duller leaves.

Is White Mulberry Invasive?

It's considered invasive in some states. Check your state's list before planting, and pull stray seedlings.

When Does a White Mulberry Tree Produce Fruit?

Many trees start fruiting within 2 to 3 years. Like most Morus alba, fruit ripens in late spring to early summer.