Morus nigra aka Black Mulberry

Morus nigra, or black mulberry, belongs to the mulberry family. Other names include Persian mulberry and common mulberry. Kew places its native range in western and southwestern Iran. Its first wild habitat remains unclear, despite its long cultivation. Gardeners grow this tree for both fruit and its shape. It suits temperate regions and sheds its leaves each year.

The tree grows slowly and forms a wide, dense crown. Low branches can give it a shrub-like shape unless trained. Sources give garden heights from 20–39 feet [6–12 metres]. RHS gives the taller range, at 26–39 feet [8–12 metres]. Its crown can spread beyond 26 feet [8 metres]. It may take 20–50 years to reach full size. The dark green leaves have a heart shape. They reach about five inches long and turn yellow in autumn.

Small greenish flowers give way to dark purple-red fruit. The fruit measures about one inch across or less. Black mulberry is self-fertile and produces soft, juicy fruit. Its taste has a slight tartness. Eat ripe fruit fresh, cook it, or make preserves. The fruit can also be dried and ground into powder. Ripe fruit drops from the tree and soon starts to spoil. Its soft skin makes it hard to transport without damage. PFAF also lists shoots among the edible parts. Both plant databases report no known hazards.

Choose full sun and shelter from cold, drying winds. The tree needs fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. It prefers moist ground that drains well. RHS lists clay, chalk, loam, and sand as suitable soils. It also accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline conditions. RHS rates its UK hardiness H6; PFAF lists USDA zones 5–10. Prune in late autumn or early winter to limit sap loss. Sow seed outdoors in autumn, or take semi-hardwood cuttings in midsummer.

Black mulberry suits informal gardens and provides shade as it matures. PFAF lists bark fibre, fruit and leaf dyes, and wood for joinery. It also records medicinal uses, though these are not safety guidance. RHS describes the tree as needing little care once established. Pests seldom cause trouble, but several diseases can occur. These include leaf spot, mulberry canker, coral spot, and powdery mildew. Honey fungus is another risk, though RHS calls it rare.