Mulberry (Morus)
Mulberry Preamble Blog about Mulberry rubra-alba hybridization in the US over the past 400 years. Trail-breaking independent research into the adaptability of the Morus species, which she compares to that of apple (Malus) species. A 2019 article by Eliza Greenman who has been obsessed with learning about growing fruit trees since 2007.
Jesse Stevens:
Mulberry in Maine. What’s your experience with this species here?
Here’s mine: Interested in the valuable and underutilized tree, I planted a morus rubra (Fedco) 8 years ago only to discover it was not hardy at my zone 4 location and dies back severely every year.
I also planted a ‘Northrop’ (St. Lawrence), a super hardy alba that makes small, sweet fruit and has grown nicely here, and also is relatively easy to root from cuttings.
A couple years later I started collecting fruit and scion wood from a mature 40′ Illinois Everbearing (IE) in Buckfield, amazingly productive of high quality fruit. Hilltop location, in zone 5a/4b with deep loam.
Using morus alba tatarica rootstock, I started to graft IE and other cultivars with some success. Seed germinates and grows readily and the young trees have no problem with cold hardiness.
This year I harvested fruit from my own Northrop, IE, and Collier (pictured).
I have discovered several large bearing trees in the surrounding towns which look to be planted intentionally, and even look to be possibly related as they produce fruit which is similar-large and bland. Good candidates for animal fodder as they seem to be everbearing and productive.
Travis Sparks:
I also have a couple of IEB at my place, at the edge of zone 5a/5b. Planted one in 2016 – it has survived each winter, and put on new growth each year (though less this year). It has a good crop this year, even though it’s still small. Super tasty, and not bothered by the birds that I’ve noticed. I planted a second one last year – shadier spot (in the chicken run), but it put on lots of growth this year.
The original one is looking fairly yellow this year, with some of the leaves curling. Maybe the wet spring/early summer? Maybe iron chlorosis, though my soils are definitely on the acidic side?
Frank J. Heller:
Wine making is about the only thing I’ve ever found they are used for. Grow elderberries–much better for wine.
Aaron Parker:
Fresh eating, pies, jams and dried fruit are all common uses. Not everyone likes them, but generally I have found people to be excited about the flavor.
