Morus nigra (Black Mulberry) is a deciduous, fruiting tree that is native to southwestern Asia. The Black Mulberry is a backyard favourite for its sweet tasting black berries, excellent shade and a long list of medicinal benefits. As the fruit has such a short lifespan, the only way to enjoy fresh Black Mulberries is by growing your own tree.
Suitable for Sub-Arctic, Cold, Temperate, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Although history suggests the native range of Morus nigra is in southwestern Asia, the precise location is impossible to pinpoint. For thousands of years the species has been a popular delicacy and spread rapidly through Asia, Europe and into Africa.
Some find it difficult to distinguish the Black Mulberry from other Mulberries or dark coloured berries but this species is easy to tell from the uniformly hairy lower surface of its leaves.
Though Mulberries are very popular and taste amazing fresh off the tree, they aren’t commercially viable due to their very brief lifespan.
Click here to view fruit range and here to view the White Mulberry.
Growth
Morus nigra is a deciduous tree that grows to a height of up to 10 metres (33 feet) by 15 metres (49 feet) and produces immense shade cover during hot summer days. Its rare to find any species that can adapt to all climates by the Black Mulberry is definitely a contender.
Reports suggest they can thrive in southern Sweden which can regularly drop to -20°C/-4°F. The species also thrives in Iran where it is dry and arid, in Melbourne where it is cold and in Cairns where it is warm and soggy. In the warmer climates it can sometimes behave like an evergreen.
Although from seed it can take 5-7 years to begin bearing fruit, the Black Mulberry can take around 15 years to really settle into its location. From this stage, the tree becomes a heavy bearer during summer and some climates have been known to fruit again prior to winter.
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, Sub-Tropical, Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-20°C to 30°C / -4 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining, 50/50 sand and soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Light Shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 10 metre (33 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 15 metres (49 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous, although can become Evergreen in warmer climates.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees.
MATURITY:
5-7 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
60-65%
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 NIGRA ( Black Mulberry )
The largest concentration of Black Mulberries in Europe is in Slovakia where there is 470 trees on a vineyard.
Morus nigra was imported into England during the 17th century in the hope that it help feed the silkworms and boost the local production of silk. It was a failure because the silkworms prefer the White Mulberry.
Folk medicine uses parts of the tree to treat ringworm. For more health benefits for Morus nigra click here.
