weeping mulberry (Morus alba)

Weeping mulberry in Rocky Ford.

Species info:

Leaves: Alternate, simple, undivided or lobed; 2–7” long, up to 6” wide

Leaflets: N/A (leaves are simple)

Leaf Surface: Usually dark green; varies by cultivar; glossy in some cultivars

Bark: Young branches ashy-orange or light orange-brown; larger trunks brown

Flowers: Male or female trees; flowers in catkins; male trees pollen release extremely rapid, one of the fastest plant movements

Botanical: Morus alba

Family: Moraceae

Mature Height: Up to 15 feet (varies by cultivar: ‘Chaparral’ 10–15’, ‘Pendula’ 6–8’)

Canopy Spread: 8–5 feet (varies by cultivar: ‘Chaparral’ 6–15’, ‘Pendula’ 8–12’)

Foliage Type: Deciduous

Tree Shape: Weeping, umbrella-shaped; dense and spreading; may require staking when young

Flowers: Male or female; catkins; male trees preferred in landscaping to avoid messy fruit

Fruit: Female trees produce edible fruit enjoyed by birds; male trees (fruitless cultivars) produce none

Fall Color: Some cultivars’ leaves turn yellow in fall (‘Chaparral’)

Water Use: High when young; moderate when established; tolerant of heat and varied soils

Hardiness: Zones 5–8

Wildlife Value: Fruit provides food for birds (female trees); dense foliage offers minor cover

Foliage: Alternate, simple, undivided or lobed; 2–7” long, up to 6” wide; dark green, glossy on some cultivars

Pests/Pathogens: No serious pests observed in Colorado

Recommendations for planting: D

Information sources: Michael Dirr, Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (University of Georgia, 1990) About.com LandscapingDayton Nursery’s website How’s website Wikipedia website.