White Mulberry Tree (Morus alba) Live Plant – 12-24in Tall Bare Root

Overview

Bring the joy of fresh fruit to your garden with a white mulberry tree. This offering is for a vibrant 12-24 inch tall Morus alba plant, shipped as a bare root specimen, which allows for robust establishment upon planting. Also known as common mulberry or silkworm mulberry, this species is celebrated for its rapid growth and medium-sized stature, potentially reaching heights of 33-66 feet. The white mulberry is not only a source of sweet, edible fruit but also a beautiful ornamental tree, providing shade and attracting local wildlife. Its adaptability to various growing conditions makes it a popular choice for gardeners across many regions. Whether you’re looking to start an orchard or add a unique specimen to your yard, the white mulberry is an excellent and rewarding selection.

Renowned for its resilience and ease of care, the white mulberry tree is an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. It thrives in a range of environments, making it a reliable addition to diverse landscapes. This particular Morus alba plant is prepared to transition smoothly into your garden, promising years of growth and delicious fruit. Its ability to grow into a substantial tree means it will provide significant aesthetic and practical value, including valuable shade during warmer months and a reliable food source.

Key Benefits

The white mulberry tree offers a multitude of benefits, making it a highly desirable plant for various garden settings. From its edible fruits to its environmental contributions, this tree is a truly valuable asset.

• Delicious Edible Fruit: Enjoy a bounty of sweet, juicy white mulberries directly from your own garden. These fruits are perfect for fresh eating, jams, pies, or as a healthy snack. Growing your own ensures organic, fresh produce right at your fingertips.
• Fast-Growing Nature: As a fast growing mulberry, the Morus alba quickly establishes itself and provides shade and fruit within a few years. This rapid development means you won’t have to wait long to enjoy the benefits of your new tree.
• Attracts Wildlife: The fruits of the common mulberry are a favorite among birds and other small wildlife, turning your garden into a lively ecosystem. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to support local biodiversity.
• Drought-Tolerant Once Established: Once mature, this Morus alba plant is relatively drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering and making it a sustainable choice for many climates. This resilience contributes to its low-maintenance appeal.
• Cold-Hardy & Adaptable: Hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 9, the white mulberry tree can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from cold winters to warm summers. It adapts well to various soil types, making it a versatile plant for different regions.
• Ornamental Value: Beyond its fruit, the white mulberry offers attractive foliage and a pleasing form, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your landscape. It provides a natural, rustic beauty that complements many garden styles.
• Low Maintenance: This tree is generally easy to care for, requiring minimal intervention once established. Its robust nature means less time spent on upkeep and more time enjoying its benefits.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your white mulberry tree is straightforward, especially given its hardy nature. To ensure optimal growth and fruit production from your Morus alba plant, follow these essential guidelines. White mulberries prefer full sun exposure, meaning they should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. While they can tolerate some partial shade, abundant fruit production is best achieved in full sun. When selecting a planting site, consider an area that receives ample light throughout the day to maximize the tree’s vigor and yield.

These trees thrive in well-drained soils and are adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils, as long as drainage is adequate. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot. When planting your bare root specimen, dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the roots without bending and deep enough so the root collar is at ground level. Water thoroughly after planting. Once established, the common mulberry is relatively drought-tolerant, but consistent watering during dry spells, especially in its first few years, will promote stronger growth. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer designed for fruit trees to encourage healthy development and fruit set. Pruning is generally minimal, focusing on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain a healthy structure and good air circulation. The silkworm mulberry is known for its resilience to pests and diseases, but regular inspection can help catch any issues early.

The white mulberry tree is cold-hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 9, making it suitable for a broad range of climates. It can tolerate a variety of temperatures, but protecting young trees from extreme winter winds in colder zones can be beneficial. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged, particularly during periods of active growth and fruit development. Proper care will lead to a thriving tree that provides delicious fruit for many years. Regular observation of your fast growing mulberry will help you address any specific needs promptly, ensuring its continued health and productivity.

Size & Details

This offering is for one white mulberry tree, which ships as a bare root plant, typically measuring between 12-24 inches tall. Shipping bare root during its dormant season helps ensure the plant establishes quickly and robustly in its new environment. During the growing season, it may ship in a pot. The Morus alba plant is known for its fast growth rate, quickly developing into a small to medium-sized tree, generally reaching heights of 33 to 66 feet at maturity with a similar spread. Its size makes it suitable for various garden settings, from suburban yards to larger landscapes.

The tree will develop a strong root system and begin to leaf out once planted. Expected time to fruit production can be as early as 2-3 years after planting, with increasing yields as the tree matures. This common mulberry is an investment that will continue to grow and produce for decades, providing a long-term source of fresh fruit and a beautiful focal point in your garden. The bare root format allows for easy handling and planting, providing a head start on its journey to becoming a full-sized, fruit-bearing tree.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this white mulberry tree get? A: The Morus alba plant is a fast-growing, small to medium-sized tree that can reach heights of 33-66 feet (10-20 meters) at maturity. Its spread will be similar, creating a rounded canopy.
• Q: What size will the bare root plant be upon arrival? A: Your white mulberry tree will arrive as a bare root specimen, typically 12-24 inches tall, ready for immediate planting. This size is ideal for establishing a strong root system.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The white mulberry tree is an outdoor plant. It is a deciduous tree that requires a period of dormancy and is best suited for planting directly in the ground in USDA Zones 4-9.
• Q: How much sunlight does the common mulberry need? A: This tree thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and fruit production. It can tolerate some partial shade but will produce less fruit.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, the white mulberry tree is known for being relatively easy to care for once established. It’s adaptable to various soil types and is drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for beginners.
• Q: What condition will the bare root plant arrive in? A: Your Morus alba plant will arrive dormant and bare root, meaning it will have no soil or leaves. This is normal for bare root plants and ensures a successful transplant.
• Q: When is the best time to plant a fast growing mulberry? A: The best time to plant bare root mulberries is in early spring, after the last hard frost, or in late fall after the leaves have dropped. This allows the roots to establish before extreme weather conditions.
• Q: How long until it produces fruit? A: A white mulberry tree typically begins to produce fruit within 2-3 years after planting, with yields increasing significantly as the tree matures. You can look forward to fresh mulberries relatively quickly.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: The white mulberry tree is cold-hardy and will survive winter in USDA Zones 4-9. It is important to know your specific hardiness zone to ensure its long-term success.
• Q: What kind of soil does the silkworm mulberry prefer? A: The silkworm mulberry prefers well-drained soils but is highly adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay, as long as there is good drainage.