White Mulberry Tree Friend
White Mulberry Tree Data Sheet
Average life span
The White Mulberry tree typically has a life span of 25 – 50 years, although some species have been known to live for 100 – 250 years
Years until first fruit
If grown from seed the White Mulberry will produce fruit within 5 to 6 years. Young trees can be expected to produce 3 – 5kg of fruit per season, while older trees (~ 20 – 30 years) can produce up to 300kg of fruit per season
Productive season
Mid spring to late summer
Expected number of years for fruit production
40 years
Area of origin
Norther, eastern and central Asia
Average annual rainfall in area of origin
600 – 1500mm
Latin Name
Morus Alba
Family Name
Moraceae
Products, benefits and uses
• Fast growing temperate tree
• Sweet fruit
• Fodder for silk worms – silk
• Attracts lady bugs, forms symbiotic relationships with beneficial fungi and houses numerous insects in the crown
• Long duration of fruit production can be used for animal fodder (e.g. 6 – 8 weeks of fruiting per season, not all fruit can be collected and consumed. If the tree is planted in an animal pen, such as chooks or pigs, excess fruit provides food these animals)
• Wood can be used for wood craft and is often used to make sporting goods (hockey sticks etc)
• Thin branches can be weaved into baskets
• Due to fast growth the tree can be coppiced or pollarded for wood
• Wood can be used as fire wood. Medium grade fuel wood.
• Erosion control and reclamation of land. Grows easily in most areas
• Soil improver / biomass. Due to fast growth this tree is ideal for ‘chop and drop’
• Leaves and branches are good animal fodder (great for cattle, pigs, goats and rabbits)
• Leaves can be used for making tea
• Bee fodder
• Medicinal uses for bark and leaves include treatment of stomach ache, cough and colds, insect bites and wounds
• Shade for animals or people
• Tolerant to wind, cold, drought, partial shade and occasional flooding
• Grows well in a variety of areas including urban setting, natural or planted forests, forest edges, and roadsides
• Quite salt tolerant once established
• Can be monoecious or dioecious and some will change sex as required
• Wind pollinated and some will set fruit without pollination
• Good for shelter planting at edge of orchard
Height
10 – 20m
Width
10 – 20m
Shape
Low branching tree with heavy foliage. Low branches can be lifted to allow light and access under tree.
Trunk diameter
60 – 150cm
Challenges
Trees can become large and cast heavy shade. This can be remedied by lifting the lower branches with careful pruning. The white mulberry can be an invasive species and has been associated with an increase in allergies in the urban setting. The white mulberry is tolerant, versatile and has little to no issues with disease or pests.
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