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.