Contact your local county Extension office through our County Office List.

Close Icon
   
Master Gardeners enhance Colorado communities through outreach, education and environmental stewardship.

White Mulberry   arrow

Morus alba (mor’us al’-bah)
Family: Moraceae, Mulberry


Key Steps


Description

White Mulberry leafLeaf: Some leaves are lobed, others are simply oval-shaped. Both types have toothed margins. Leaf is glossy green above. Leaf base may be uneven. Palmate venation, 3 main veins. Hairless except at veins beneath. Milky sap at petiole base.

Bud: 3-6 bud scales. Slightly hairy. Dark margin at top of each scale. Side buds tilted above leaf scar. True terminal bud absent.

Leaf Scar: Half round. Many tiny bundle scars.

Stem: Lenticels are prominent.

Bark: Young: ashy-orange. Older: brown.

Pith: White, solid.

Flower: Drooping catkins. Tiny, greenish, clusters in cylinder shape.

Fruit: Juicy berry, cylinder shape. White to pinkish, or even black. Edible only when ripe.

Habit: Large, dense, round canopy. Usually “messy” looking. To 40 feet tall.

Culture: Prefers well-drained, moist location. Salt tolerant.


Resources