Morus nigra (Black Mulberry)
Black Mulberry, Common Mulberry, Persian Mulberry, Sycamine Tree
Well-known for its edible fruit, Morus nigra (Black Mulberry) is a broad-crowned small deciduous tree with heart-shaped dark green leaves, 5 in. long (12 cm), turning yellow in the fall. Slender but with numerous branches, it can produce a dense and shady canopy. Inconspicuous flowers held on short, green catkins appear in the axils of the current season’s growth and on spurs on older wood. In late summer to early fall, it bears edible, oval, succulent, dark purplish-red fruits, 1 in. long (2.5 cm). Large and juicy, with a blend of sweetness and tartness, they are superior in taste to the white mulberry, Morus alba, and are used for marmalade, syrup, and jellies. Morus nigra is a popular ornamental tree in gardens, and also used for bonsai or small indoor plants.
- Grows up to 30-40 ft. tall (9-12 m) and 35-50 ft. wide (10-15 m).
- A full sun lover, Black Mulberry is easily grown in humus-rich, fertile,moist, well-drained soils. Shelter from cold, dry winds.
- Generally pest free. Keep an eye out for leaf spot, canker, coral spot and powdery mildews.
- No routine pruning necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots.
- Propagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn or by semi-hardwood cuttings in mid-summer.
- Native to Asia.
Buy Morus nigra (Black Mulberry)
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Fruit, Trees |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 30' – 40' (9m – 12m) |
Spread | 35' – 50' (10.5m – 15m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Fruit, Trees |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 30' – 40' (9m – 12m) |
Spread | 35' – 50' (10.5m – 15m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |