Texas Tech University

Common Mulberry

Morus alba
Deciduous-Trees

(Detailed plant information can be found at the bottom of the page.)
Morus alba

Morus alba Photo Gallery



Morus alba Plant Information

Classification  
   
Scientific Name: Morus alba
Common Name: common mulberry
Family: Moraceae
Suggested Uses: large shade tree in parks, golf courses, etc.
   
Characteristics  
   
Height: 30 - 50 feet tall
Spread: 30 - 50 feet wide
Foliage: alternate, simple, deciduous, and polymorphic (many leaf shapes)

can have 3 leaf shapes on the same tree: lobed, mitten, and no lobes
Flower: monoecious or dioecious; yellowish
Bloom Period: Spring
Fruit: multiple fruit of small, fleshy drupes that are red or purple in early Summer
   
Environment  
   
Water: drought-tolerant

tolerates most water conditions
Soil: tolerates alkaline soils

tolerates most soil conditions
USDA Zone: zones 4 - 9
   
Care  
   
Maintenance: provides very dense shade that will reduce or eliminate turf under tree

fruitless cultivars are available
   
Additional Notes: considered a trash tree by most horticulturists, however, it is one shade tree that performs very well in areas that have alkaline soils and low precipitation

TTU Plant Resources