White Mulberry
Morus alba
- Native to:
- China
Luis Fernández García
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Moraceae
- Genus:
- Morus
- Species:
- Morus alba
- USDA Symbol:
- MOAL
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- green
Host Plant for Caterpillars
American plum borer (Euzophera semifuneralis), Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), Fig moth (Cadra figulilella)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- yellow
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from the root crown following fire or cutting; considered invasive in many areas due to this resilience.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to riverbanks and floodplains
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification. Light may enhance germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Use repeated cycles of 4°C, then 20°C for 3 months each. Germination is very prolonged. Requires soaking. Place in warm water until seeds swell, usually 24-48 hours. Discard water and any seeds that remain floating. * and all cultivars