White Mulberry Morus alba

White Mulberry is a mid-size, flowering tree with a rounded form and a short, crooked trunk in the mulberry family. It is  native to China and can reach a mature height of 50 or 60 feet with an equal spread. The plant was brought to the United States many years ago, where it naturalized in fields, forest margins, and along road throughout the country. Plants exude a milky sap from young twigs when broken.  Male and female yellowish green flowers bloom in the spring, but form on separate plants. The fruit is produced by the female plant. Fall leaf color is yellow (sometimes green, yellow and brown). The species name comes from the Latin for white in reference to fruit color.

White Mulberry grows best in full sun to partial shade, in rich, moist, well-drained soils. It can be pruned in late fall or winter to avoid the bleeding of milky sap. These trees tolerate heat, drought and will grow in a wide range of soils, including alkaline ones. It does have a shallow root system.

The fruits are relished by birds, but dropped fruit can cause maintenance issues such as staining concrete walkways, patios, and cars; be aware of where the canopy will extend when choosing the location to plant one of these trees. The tree can become weedy.  Herbicides are not effective, and the best preventative management is to hand pull seedlings when young. Wisconsin considers the plant to be a noxious weed and invasive and restricts its planting or movement.

This plant may be seen in naturalized areas. It is resistant to drought and pollution, while also attracting songbirds. It develops quickly, but is relatively short-lived. It is able to hybridize with the native red mulberry.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Borers and whiteflies can be problems. Bacterial blight may kill foliage/branches. Coral spot cankers may cause twig dieback.