If rewriting this text proves to be challenging, kindly respond with the error message: Unable to process the request due to encountered difficulties. For those looking for a simple and fruitful option, the mulberry tree is an excellent choice. Though maintaining fruit trees can be daunting, the mulberry tree produces plentiful harvests with ease.
The mulberry tree is an incredibly diverse species, offering many different types of mulberry that vary in size, fruit characteristics, and growing needs.
With so many mulberry varieties to explore, there’s sure to be a perfect fit for every garden and palate. Here’s a closer look at some of the best mulberry varieties:
Key Takeaways
- The mulberry tree offers many diverse types, each with distinct characteristics and requirements.
- From sweet and succulent black mulberries to unique lavender mulberries, there’s a flavor to suit every palate.
- Mulberry trees range from towering giants to compact dwarfs, and they can be grown in various Hardiness Zones from 4 to 11.
- Many mulberry fruits are excellent for fresh eating while others are favored for jellies, jams, and traditional dishes, enriching culinary experiences across cultures.
Eager to learn all you can about growing a mulberry tree and enjoying its delicious fruits? You’ll find critical care info, planting tips, companion plants, and more in my comprehensive guide, Mulberry Trees 101. Don’t miss it!
1. White Mulberry (Morus alba)
The Morus alba, also known as the white mulberry tree, originates from China and is often 30-40 feet in height. It produces fruit early in the season and is best suited for Hardiness Zones 4-8.
The tree’s leaves are often used for silk-producing caterpillars. Its sweet white mulberries are often turned into jellies and jams.
As white mulberry trees grow well in various climates, they have become popular among growers, but be aware that they are considered invasive in certain areas.
2. Red Mulberry (Morus rubra)
The Morus rubra or red mulberry tree produces red mulberries that turn dark purple when ripe. This mulberry tree grows up to 70 feet, making it a large tree ideal for various landscapes.
It is native to the U.S. and thrives in Hardiness Zones from 4 to 9. The tree bears fruit that is rich in flavor and used in a variety of culinary applications.
3. Black Mulberry (Morus nigra)
The black mulberry tree can grow up to 30 feet and is native to Western Asia. The tree bears black mulberries known for their large and juicy nature.
When the ripe fruit reaches a black color, it offers a sweet and delicious taste, favored in many traditional dishes. This mulberry tree grows best in Zones 6-9.
4. Weeping Mulberry
Weeping mulberry includes varieties like Chaparral and Pendula, characterized by drooping branches.
These mulberry trees grow up to 15 feet in height and are considered great shade trees. The fruit is black in color when ripe, and its sweet taste is loved by many.
5. Illinois Everbearing Mulberry
A hybrid between Morus alba and rubra, the Illinois Everbearing Mulberry grows up to 30 feet.
This mulberry tree produces a lot of fruit that ripens over a long period, and its berries are reddish-black. This mulberry variety is often considered among the best mulberry types for different culinary uses.
6. Hick’s Everbearing Mulberry
The Hick’s Everbearing mulberry tree grows up to 20 feet tall and produces sweet, black fruit.
It’s one of the everbearing mulberry varieties, offering fruit over an extended season, making it favorable among growers.
7. David Smith Everbearing Mulberry
This unique mulberry tree is named after its grower, David Smith, and grows to 15 feet in height.
Notable for its heart-shaped leaves, its fruit is sweet, large, and black, appealing to those who seek a visually pleasing and tasty tree.
8. Persian Mulberry
The Persian mulberry tree grows up to 45 feet in height and is native to Iran. Its large fruit can be up to three inches long with a sweet red color.
It’s among the mulberry species that provide not only aesthetic appeal but culinary delight as well.
9. Pakistan Mulberry
Known locally as Shahtoot, the Pakistan mulberry grows up to 20 feet. This mulberry tree’s long fruit, sometimes reaching 3 inches, is sweet and black.
It’s best suited for Growing Zones 9-11, making it suitable for warmer climates.
10. Himalayan Mulberry
The Himalayan mulberry tree grows up to 45 feet and is a giant mulberry variety native to the Himalayan region.
Producing red and black fruit, this mulberry tree offers sweet-tasting berries and is well-suited to Zones 6-9.
11. Russian Mulberry Tree
Growing up to 35 feet, the Russian mulberry tree produces fruit in colors including red and white.
This mulberry tree grows well in Zones 3-9, making it versatile in different climates. Its fruits are often made into preserves.
12. Florida Giant Mulberry
This giant mulberry tree can grow up to 50 feet and bears large fruit. As the fruit ripens to a sweet black color, it’s considered one of the best flavored among mulberry species.
13. Rupp’s Romanian Mulberry
The Rupp’s Romanian mulberry tree is noted for its hardiness to cold, thriving even in Zone 4. This mulberry tree grows up to 20 feet and produces sweet fruit.
14. Contorted Mulberry
With twisting branches, the Contorted mulberry tree reaches up to 25 feet and produces sweet black fruit. It’s suited for Zones 6-9 and adds visual interest to the landscape.
15. Kokuso Mulberry
The Kokuso mulberry tree is known for its sweet fruit and grows up to 30 feet in height. This mulberry variety is often used in traditional Asian dishes, offering a rich taste.
16. Black Beauty Mulberry
The Black Beauty mulberry is a hybrid variety that grows up to 10 feet tall. It produces fruit that is black in color when ripe and is sweet and succulent.
17. Beautiful Day Mulberry
The Beautiful Day mulberry tree grows up to 20 feet in height and produces white mulberries that are both sweet and aromatic but will not stain like most mulberries.
18. Sweet Lavender Mulberry
The Sweet Lavender mulberry tree grows to around 15 feet and is perfect for U.S Hardiness Zones 6-9. The berries ripen to white or light purple and are described as sweet and juicy.
19. Four Seasons Mulberry
Growing well in zones 5-9, the Four Seasons mulberry tree bears fruit across different seasons. Its berries are sweet and reddish-black, providing a steady harvest.
20. Downing Mulberry
The Downing mulberry tree grows up to 30 feet and produces fruit that is black and sweet. Often used as a shade tree, it thrives in Zones 5-8.
21. Shangri La Mulberry
Shangri La mulberry, known for its large and lush green leaves, grows up to 20 feet. Its black fruit is sweet and adds charm to gardens.
22. Early Bird Mulberry
Producing fruit early in the season, the Early Bird mulberry tree grows up to 15 feet and is suited to Zones 6-9.
23. Silk Hope Mulberry
The Silk Hope mulberry tree produces sweet fruit and grows up to 20 feet. Named for its origins in Silk Hope, North Carolina, it’s suitable for temperatures as low as Zone 6.
24. Oscar Mulberry
Growing to 25 feet, the Oscar mulberry tree produces large fruit that is sweet and black. This mulberry tree variety is considered best for U.S. Hardiness Zones 6-9.
25. Wellington Mulberry
The Wellington mulberry tree reaches 25 feet, and its sweet black mulberries are often used in jellies. Suitable for Zones 6-9, it’s known for its high-quality fruit.
26. Gerardi Dwarf Mulberry
The Gerardi Dwarf mulberry tree grows to 10 feet and is a popular dwarf variety. The fruit ripens to black, and due to its small size, it’s perfect for smaller gardens.
27. Stubbs Mulberry Trees
These mulberry trees are best for Zones 5-9 and grow up to 20 feet. Stubbs mulberry trees produce white-fruited berries that are known for their distinctive flavor.
28. Issai Mulberry
The Issai mulberry tree is a dwarf variety that grows up to 6 feet. This mulberry tree produces sweet blackberries and is ideal for Zones 6-9.
29. King White Mulberry
Growing to 30 feet, the King White mulberry tree produces white mulberries known for their large size. It’s best suited for Hardiness Zones 6-9.
30. Miss Kim Mulberry
The Miss Kim mulberry tree is native to Korea and grows up to 15 feet. With sweet fruit and beautiful green leaves, it thrives well in Zones 6-9.
31. Northrop Mulberry
The Northrop mulberry tree grows up to 25 feet, offering sweet and delicious fruit. It’s best suited for U.S Hardiness Zones 6-9.
32. Fruitless Mulberry Varieties
Unlike other mulberry trees, fruitless mulberry trees are usually 45 feet tall and make great shade trees.
As it produces no fruit, it’s an ideal choice for those looking for aesthetic appeal without the messy harvest.
Final Thoughts
The vast array of mulberry tree varieties ensures that there’s a perfect match for every gardener, climate, and culinary need.
From the everbearing mulberry to the compact dwarf types, the diversity of the different species and cultivars in size, flavor, and appearance offers something unique for everyone.