Morus

(Moraceae - mulberry family)

About 10 species of deciduous trees. They bear edible, berry-like fruit somewhat resembling blackberries in appearance. Good mulberries are a delicious fruit which can be eaten fresh, dried, or made into jams, pies, jellies, or drinks. The flavor of the best mulberries is a very pleasant blend of sweetness and tartness. Mulberry trees generally bear heavy, reliable crops, often beginning at an early age. Mulberries are among the easiest of fruit trees to grow, and will usually do well without any care. In some areas they are subject to disease problems, but for the most part they are free of serious diseases and insect pests. Because mulberries are eagerly eaten by many species of birds, the trees are useful for distracting birds from other crops. Mulberries succeed best on good soil, but are fairly tolerant (interestingly, research has shown at least some forms of mulberry to be nitrogen fixers). It is advisable to plant mulberry trees where the profuse quantities of fruit which they may drop will not cause problems. The fruit of most mulberry cultivars ripens here in late June and July. Some have a longer fruiting season; these exceptions are noted. The plants offered here are grown from cuttings

alba x rubra

decid tr • ht 30-60' • zones 5-9

white x red mulberry hybrids

Morus alba x rubra

edible fruit, wildlife, sun

Morus alba, the white mulberry, is a broadly rounded tree native to China. Fruit color ranges from white to nearly black, with numerous intermediate shades. Morus rubra, the red mulberry, is a rounded tree native to eastern North America. The fruit is dark red to nearly black when fully ripe. The wood of red mulberry is among the most decay-resistant of any native North American tree. Red mulberry normally grows in moist, rich soil, and prefers such conditions. White mulberry is more tolerant of poor, dry soils. We probably do not at present offer any pure cultivars of either red or white mulberry. The following cultivars are likely hybrids of these two species, combining the characteristics of each.

Note: Morus alba x rubra selections will not be available for shipping until June.

'Illinois Everbearing'

Considered by many to be the best flavored mulberry. Fruit ripens here from late June to late August.

cat # 2C8M $29.95 each