Morus alba (White Mulberry) is a deciduous, fruiting plant that is native to the colder climates of China. The White Mulberry tree has been cultivated for thousands of years, primarily for feeding the silkworm and for a range of traditional medicines. In modern times, it has been grown in cities worldwide for its low-maintenance shade and attractive foliage.
Suitable for Cold, Temperate and Sub-Tropical climate.
White Mulberry tree is key to the production of silk as its the main food source of the silkworm. Though native to China and northern India, its significant role in the creation of silk has spread the species to countries with a range of climates such as Mexico, Australia, Argentina, Turkey and Iran among many others.
Despite some specimens reaching ages of up to 250 years old, Morus alba generally reaches an age of around 70-100 years. Other common names include the Common Mulberry and of course the Silkworm Mulberry.
In the wild the berries appear deep purple, but in most cultivated plants it varies from white to pink. It is sweet but bland, unlike the more intense flavor of the Red Mulberry and Black Mulberry.
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Growth
Morus alba is a deciduous tree that grows to a maximum height of up to 18 metres (52 feet) and a maximum spread of up to 10 metres (33 feet). In cultivation, the size of the tree rarely surpasses 10 metres (33 feet) and has become popular for its drought tolerance and ample shade. In temperate climates the species is deciduous but can grow evergreen in warmer climates.
Young trees can grow leaves as long as 30cm (12 inches) while the leaves on older trees barely reach half that size. White Mulberry trees are monoecious which is when individual flowers are either male or female but both sexes can be found on the same plant. Otherwise, the plant is self-fertile, flowers during late spring and produces white edible berries during summer.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Moraceae
CLIMATE:
Sub-Arctic, Cold, Temperate.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10°C to 30°C / 14 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 18 metres (52 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 10 metres (33 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees.
MATURITY:
4-5 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
55-65%
GERMINATION TIME:
Cold Stratification – 2 months and then 6-8 weeks germination
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium to Hard. Cold stratification & patience required.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 800
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT MORUS ALBA ( White Mulberry )
Morus alba leaves are the preferred food for silkworms and are also enjoyed by cattle and goats.
The White Mulberry tree holds the record for the fastest known plant movement among all species. When catapulting its pollen via its stamens, the movement has been recorded at a staggering 610 km/h (380 miles/h).
Cultivation of White Mulberry to nourish silkworms began more than 4,700 years ago in China while it is believed the Ancient Greeks and Romans grew Mulberry for their silkworms. This belief is in part because in 220 AD, Roman Emperor Elagabalus wore a silk robe.
In 2002, approximately 6,260 square km ( 3,889 square miles) of land were devoted to the species in China.
There are too many uses for the Morus alba species to mention but you can click here to find out much more.
