White Mulberry Tree Facts

The white mulberry----scientific name, Morus alba----is native to the northern parts of China. It is also called common mulberry, chi sang, moral blanco, silkworm mulberry and Russian mulberry.

Features

The white mulberry grows as a shrub or a tree that can range in height between 30 feet and 50 feet. It is fairly resistant to wind, drought and flood conditions.

Location

The white mulberry thrives in temperate climates. In the United States, the white mulberry is found in all states except Arizona, Alaska and Nevada.

Uses

The white mulberry is primarily cultivated in Southeast Asia for raising silkworms. It also produces a blackberry-like fruit that can be used for making wine.

Wood

The wood of the white mulberry is durable and flexible, which makes it ideal for making sports goods (such as tennis rackets), furniture and small boats.

Diseases

The diseases most commonly affecting white mulberry trees include cankers, mildew, bacterial blight and leaf spot.

Warning

According to the USDA, the white mulberry has the potential of becoming an invasive weed if its growth is not properly managed.

References

• Invasive Plants (USDA Forest Service)
• USDA