White Mulberry (morus alba)

• Deciduous tree (up to 10–15m tall) with attractive heart-shaped leaves and a broad, spreading crown; provides good shade.
• Produces sweet, edible fruits (white to pink, red or purple when ripe) in late summer – enjoyable fresh, in desserts, or dried; attracts birds.
• Historically significant (silk production via leaves feeding silkworms) and ornamental with interesting rough bark on older trees.
• Fast-growing, hardy, and tolerant of most soils (including poor, dry, or urban); wind-resistant and pollution-tolerant.
• Yellow autumn colour; low-maintenance once established.

Planting Guide

• Best time: Bare-root November–March (dormant season); container-grown autumn or spring.
• Location: Full sun (for best fruiting) to partial shade; well-drained soil (tolerates clay, loam, chalk, or poor sites but dislikes waterlogged); sheltered warm spot in cooler northern areas; ample space required – unsuitable for tiny gardens.
• Preparation: Dig hole twice root width; add organic matter to very poor soils.
• Planting: Set at original depth (check trunk soil mark); stake young trees; firm in, water well, mulch base (keep clear of trunk) to prevent weed growth and conserve soil moisture.
• Aftercare: Water regularly first few years in dry spells; minimal pruning (winter to shape/remove dead wood); self-fertile so one tree fruits well; protect from late frosts if fruiting is priority.