tree

Black mulberry

Morus nigra

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Black mulberry (Morus nigra) — a tree, for Full sun, Medium water.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Watermoderate

↑ Gives back

Fruitedible berries
Mulch_biomassleaves and wood
Shadedense canopy

Through the year

Through the year

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emergenceBud break and leaf emergence typically occur after the last spring frost and when air temperatures consistently rise above 10°C.
floweringFlowering usually follows leaf emergence by about two weeks.
fruitingFruit development begins after flowering, with ripening occurring over several weeks in early to mid-summer.
harvestHarvest season for black mulberries typically spans from early July through August, depending on climate and cultivar.
senescenceLeaves begin to change color and drop in autumn, often triggered by shortening days and the first light frosts.
dormancyThe tree enters full dormancy after leaf drop, lasting through winter until spring conditions return.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatescalcium, potassium
Soil textureloam, sandy loam, clay loam
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceMedium

Propagation

Methodsseed, cuttings, grafting
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~3 yr
Stratificationrequires cold stratification for 60-90 days
Self-seedingLight
Divisionlate winter to early spring

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbirds, mammals, pollinators
Can host pestsmulberry scale, mulberry borer
Can host diseasesbacterial blight, powdery mildew