Also known as Common Mulberry · Mulberry · Red Mulberry
Black mulberry (Morus nigra) is a deciduous tree prized for its sweet, dark, edible berries and attractive shade. It's relatively easy to grow in suitable climates.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production.
Regular watering
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells and fruiting season. Allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings.
Loam, Sand, Clay
50% intensity
Moderate to warm
75% intensity
Thrives in temperate climates. Tolerates heat well but requires protection from extreme cold during establishment.
Moderate
50% intensity
Young trees benefit from balanced fertilizer annually. Mature trees need minimal feeding; compost is beneficial.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Black mulberries prefer consistently moist soil, especially during their establishment and fruiting periods. Water deeply at the base of the tree, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering in late autumn to help the plant prepare for dormancy. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Prune black mulberries in late winter or early spring while dormant. This is primarily to shape the tree, remove dead or crossing branches, and improve air circulation.
Light pruning can also be done after fruiting to manage size and encourage future fruiting wood. Aim for an open, vase-like structure.
Black mulberries are typically propagated by grafting onto compatible rootstock, as seed germination can be erratic and offspring may not come true to type.
Softwood or hardwood cuttings can also be rooted, but success rates can vary. Grafting is the most reliable method for obtaining desired traits.
Repotting is generally not required for established black mulberry trees as they are large, long-lived specimens. For young plants in containers, repot every 2-3 years into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Black Mulberry (Morus nigra)
Where Black Mulberry (Morus nigra) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Morus |
| Species | Morus nigra |
Similar in genus Morus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
