Also known as Chinese White Mulberry · Common Mulberry · Kuwa
White mulberry (Morus alba) is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to Asia, known for its sweet, edible fruit and as the primary food source for silkworms.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and fruiting.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially when young. Allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering for mature trees.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Prefers temperate climates and can withstand moderate heat and cold once established.
Low
25% intensity
Benefits from annual feeding in spring, especially if growth is slow. Avoid over-fertilizing.
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
Morus alba prefers consistent moisture, especially when young. Water deeply when the top 5-7 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as this can lead to root rot.
Mature trees are more drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.
Prune in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant to shape the structure and remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Summer pruning can be done to control size or encourage fruiting wood for the following season. Aim for an open canopy to allow for light penetration and air circulation.
Morus alba can be propagated from seeds, but cultivars are best propagated vegetatively. Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in spring or summer root well in a moist, well-draining medium.
Grafting, particularly whip-and-ring or T-budding, is also effective for specific cultivars.
Young trees or those grown in containers benefit from repotting every 2-3 years in early spring. Select a pot one size larger and use a well-draining potting mix. Prune the roots lightly if they are circling the pot.
Mature trees rarely need repotting and are best planted directly in the ground.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of White Mulberry (Morus alba)
Where White Mulberry (Morus alba) 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 alba × rubra |
Similar in genus Morus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
