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Tree of the Month: White Mulberry Tree

SavATree discusses the Tree of the Month: the White Mulberry Tree and our Monthly Tree Topic: #FrozenLawnDamage

Tree of the Month: #WhiteMulberryTree

Scientific: Morus alba (synonym Morus bombycis)

Common: White mulberry, silkworm mulberry

Family: Moraceae (a predominantly tropical family of latex-producing trees, shrubs, climbers, a few herbs)

Origin: China

Landscape Use: A great great shade tree. Provides dense summer shade and is good over turf or in parks.

Form & Character/Growth Habit: Deciduous shade tree, rounded to spreading, vigorous upright/fast growing, irregular branching, "old fashioned" shade tree, reaches 20-60 ft in height.

Foliage/Texture: Leaves alternate, medium green, 3-6 inches long, yellowing in the late fall, leaf shape can vary in shape, medium coarse texture.

Flowers & Fruits: A tree that can produce both male and female flowers, Female flowers produce a blackberry like (and tasting) fruit that is very sweet but causes stains easily.

Seasonal Color: Yellow in the fall, green otherwise, golden yellow in seasonal climates.

Comments:

Incredibly adaptable to diverse conditions including drought, aggressive and invasive root system, was very popular in Phoenix before the days of air conditioning when people still valued the cooling shade of trees on the landscape, produces pollen that some are highly allergic to, fruit makes great jam but unripe fruit and milky sap from all parts have been reported to cause hallucinations and upset stomach.

Cultural Requirements:

Light: Full sun

Water: Can endure drought, but water frequently and regularly, especially in summer

Soil: Tolerant

Propagation: Cutting

For more info visit:

Arizona State University's Virtual Library of Phoenix Landscape Plants

Home Maintenance & Outdoor Living To-Do | #WhiteMulberryTree #FrozenLawnDamage

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Podcast

John Eisenhower is joined by Branch Manager Gary Peterson to discuss our Tree Of The Month: the White Mulberry Tree. We discuss a study on an endless water supply called Primary Water, tips on protecting your trees and plants from frost, and reasons you might have to remove a tree completely.