White mulberry Morus alba
White mulberry (Morus alba) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Moraceae family, native to Northern China. It grows 7–12 m (23–39 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
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White mulberry at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Moraceae |
| Mature height | 7–12 m (23–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: ripe fruit, young leaves (cooked) |
| Native to | Northern China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇷🇺 Russia |
| Invasive in | US (several states), South Africa (NEMBA category 3): check local rules before planting |
Is White mulberry toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: unripe fruit, milky sap
Unripe fruit and the milky sap can cause stomach upset; ripe fruit is safe.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with White mulberry
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about White mulberry
- How far apart should I plant White mulberry?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does White mulberry need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does White mulberry need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is White mulberry?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does White mulberry flower?
- From about May for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is White mulberry poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Unripe fruit and the milky sap can cause stomach upset; ripe fruit is safe.
- What grows well with White mulberry?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for White mulberry. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- Fruiting selections are often non-weeping male-free forms; the pollen of male trees is a strong allergen; fruit drop stains paving.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Common fig Ficus carica
- Rubber fig Ficus elastica
- Chinese banyan Ficus microcarpa
- Jackfruit Artocarpus heterophyllus
- Sacred fig (peepal, bodhi tree) Ficus religiosa
- Indian banyan Ficus benghalensis
- Sycamore fig Ficus sycomorus
- Moreton Bay fig Ficus macrophylla