Morus • The Berry of Childhood
If you grew up with a Mulberry tree, you remember purple-stained fingers and mouths. Mulberries are nostalgic, incredibly sweet, and one of the easiest fruit trees to grow. Unlike finicky stone fruits or citruses, mulberries are tough survivors.
Historically, they were grown to feed silkworms (white mulberries). Today, we prize them for their fruit, which resembles a long blackberry but tastes sweeter and less acidic.
There are three main species: White (Morus alba), Red (Morus rubra), and Black (Morus nigra)—the latter often considered the best tasting with a rich, complex flavor wine-like tartness.
Rich in anthocyanins (the purple pigment) and surprisingly high in protein for a fruit. Data for 100g raw fruit.
*Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Mulberries are rich in antioxidants like resveratrol, which has been linked to neuronal protection and anti-aging effects.
Contains zeaxanthin, which reduces oxidative stress in certain eye cells, protecting the retina from harmful UV rays.
Compounds in mulberries (specifically 1-DNJ) inhibit an enzyme in the gut that breaks down carbs, potentially lowering blood sugar.
With good amounts of Vitamin K, Calcium, and Iron, they support the maintenance of strong bone tissue and mineralization.
Mulberries are famously unfussy. They tolerate heat, drought, and poor soil. However, they can get huge, so choose wisely.
Standard mulberries can reach 30-50 feet. If you have a small yard, look for dwarf varieties like 'Dwarf Black' or weeping varieties. These can be kept to 6-8 feet with pruning.
Plant in full sun. Be careful: mulberries drop fruit that stains EVERYTHING. Do not plant over a driveway, patio, or sidewalk.
Give them space. Their roots are aggressive and can lift pavers or invade pipes if planted too close.
They prefer moist, well-draining soil but are surprisingly drought tolerant once established. Water young trees deep and regularly for the first year to set a deep taproot.
Mulberries bleed sap if pruned when active. Prune ONLY in deep winter when the tree is fully dormant.
Remove dead wood and crossing branches. You can pollard mulberries (cut them back to a main trunk) to keep them small and force new vigorous growth.
The easiest way to harvest is to spread a clean sheet or tarp under the tree and gently shake the branches. Ripe berries will fall off easily. Wear gloves—they stain skin!
Birds love mulberries more than you do. Fix: Net smaller trees. For large trees, accept you will share 50% of the crop with the wildlife.
Fungal infection causes berries to swell and look like popcorn. Fix: Remove and destroy infected berries. It does not make the fruit toxic, just inedible.
Fallen fruit ferments and smells. Fix: Harvest regularly. Or get chickens—they will clean up the fallen fruit enthusiastically.