Morus nigra – Dwarf Mulberry

General Information: A dwarf cultivar of a favorite forage crop, providing a long season of sweet fruits. These plants should reach just 6-8 feet at maturity, and are fast growing, reaching mature height in only a few years. Fruits are similar in appearance to elongated Blackberries. The fruits of the Black Mulberry are especially attractive to all sorts of wildlife, including Raccoons, Opossums, Bears, Cedar Wax Wings, Robins, Blue Jays, and many more! Mulberries are well-known for their exceptional flavor and medicinal qualities. Uneaten Mulberries which fall to the ground may stain clothes, shoes, and walkways, so consider the placement of this dwarf tree carefully! The fruits also leave a characteristic red stain on the hands and faces of Mulberry lovers, but this is easily washed out with lukewarm water and gentile scrubbing.

Cultivation Details: This variety tends to grow with a bush habit. Tolerant of relatively hard pruning, this deciduous tree may even be suitable for topiary work. This cultivar is also an ideal candidate for a container plant or for bonsai training. Consider planting along a hedgerow, near a Chicken Run, along a fence, near a body of water or Koi pond, or as a specimen. While considered to be disease and insect resistant, Slugs and Groundhogs have been known to defoliate this plant! Keep them well-protected from these pests in the first few years of growth.

Edible Qualities: Fruits from August – October. This plant is self-fertile. Only one plant is required for fruit set. Fruits are ideal for fresh eating, or for making into preserves. The green stem remains attached to these fruits. It can be eaten or discarded according to preference. As soon as they are picked, enzymes within the fruits begin to break them down. They typically only last 1-2 days, even in refrigeration, so it is preferred that they be eaten or processed at once. The most effective means of storing these fruits long-term is dehydration. The berries can also be useful as a forage treat for poultry, who love the canopy shade of these trees just as much as the fallen berries! Fish are also known to be attracted to the berries and will readily school in areas where ripe Mulberries are likely to drop into the water. The leaves can be used as a Black Tea substitute (minus the caffeine) and can also be eaten. While they are somewhat leathery, Mulberry leaves are a nutrient-dense, high-protein food that can be consumed fresh or dried. They are an ideal food source for Goats, Sheep, and Cattle.

Growing Requirements: Plant in full to part sun. Tolerant of most soil types, including heavy clay and very sandy soils. Prefers well-drained soil. Suitable for growing in mildly acidic, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils.