White Mulberry

Morus alba

Moraceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced

Last updated April 25, 2026

Plant Profile

Size & Form

Height

50 ft

Spread

32 ft

Growth Rate

Moderate

Size at 20 yr

30 ft

Lifespan

Moderate

Site Requirements

Light

Sun to Part Shade

Soil Drainage

Adaptable

Soil pH

5.0-7.0

Water

Low

Drought Tolerance

Medium

Hardiness

Zones 3a–8b

Ornamental Interest

Bloom Time

March to April

Fall Color

Cream/tan

Origin

China, leaves used in silkworm culture

Diseases: Regionally Documented (1)

Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae Bacterial Blight

Phenological Calendar

View full calendar (8 stages)

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
Bud break BBCH 07	Feb 15-Mar 15	Buds swelling and beginning to open; first green tissue visible
Leaf emergence BBCH 11	Mar 1-Apr 1	First leaves fully unfurled on new growth
Bloom start BBCH 61	Mar 1-Mar 31	First open flowers visible; flowers green
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69	Apr 1-Apr 15	Last petals falling; flower structures fading
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71	Mar 15-May 31	Fruit or seed structures forming; fruit color: purple
Fruit/seed maturity BBCH 85	Jun 1-Aug 31	Fruit fully colored and ripened; seed dispersal may begin
Leaf drop BBCH 93	Oct 15-Nov 30	Leaves yellowing and dropping; no significant fall color display
Dormancy BBCH 97	Nov 15-Feb 28	Leafless; no active growth; dormant buds set

Cultivars (2)

'Chaparral'

Common name: Weeping Mulberry; Mature height: 8–12 ft

Hardy to USDA Zone 4

'Unryu'

Common name: Contorted Mulberry Long zhao sang; Mature height: 40 ft

Hardy to USDA Zone 5

Data Maturity

Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.