White mulberry | The Morton Arboretum

White mulberry is an invasive plant. An invasive plant is a plant species that is non-native to the location being considered and whose presence and spread negatively impacts (or is likely to impact) ecological, economic, or human health. This plant spreads by seed. It commonly grows in a wide range of soils and environments, including vacant lots, the edges of woodlands, and disturbed sites. This tree is native to Asia, but was introduced to the United States as a food source for silkworms. It is now found throughout much of the United States. Animals and birds eat the fruit and disperse the seeds. Due to excessive seeding, white mulberry is able to shade out and compete with native plants. This reduces species diversity and alters habitat. Data collected at The Morton Arboretum show that this tree is invasive on the Arboretum grounds.

There are a number of native and non-native species that could be used in place of white mulberry. More desirable species may be found using the Search Trees and Plants page of the Arboretum website. Before purchasing or planting, be sure to check for any local or state guidelines on these species, and make sure that the plant is suitable for its habitat by checking its attributes at mortonarb.org or plants.usda.gov.

Family (English) Mulberry
Family (botanic) Moraceae
Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Restricted sites, Wide median
Tree or plant type Tree
Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native locale Non-native
Size range Medium tree (25-40 feet), Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Mature height 30-50 feet
Mature width 30-50 feet
Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
Tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Dry sites, Occasional drought, Road salt, Wet sites
Season of interest mid fall
Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
Shape or form Round
Growth rate Fast
Transplants well Yes
Planting considerations Aggressive, Messy fruit/plant parts, Weak wood and branch structure
Wildlife Birds, Small mammals
Has cultivars Yes

More Information

Size and Method of Spreading

White mulberry is a large tree with a rounded to irregular form. It can grow 30 to 50 feet tall and wide.

Bark Color and Texture

On young trees, the bark is fairly smooth, but with visible lenticels. On older trees, the bark becomes deeply fissured and reveals the inner bark.

Leaf Description

The simple, alternate leaves vary in shape. Some may be egg-shaped, while others are distinctly three to five-lobed. The leaf edges are toothed (serrate margins). The leaves are dark green in summer, turning yellow in fall, although fall color is inconsistent.

Flower Description

The male and female flowers are produced on separate trees (dioecious). Occasionally, flowers of both genders are produced on the same tree (monoecious). The flowers of both genders are held in short catkins, usually an inch or less in length.

Fruit Description

The fruit is a 1½-inch-long cluster of tiny berry-like structures (an aggregate of drupelets), similar in appearance to a raspberry or blackberry. The ripe fruit range from almost white to dark purple.