Mulberry trees can be found throughout North America in fencerows, abandoned fields, and urban areas, due to the propensity for their seeds to be spread by birds who ravenously feed on the fruit. The glossy, serrated leaves take different forms on the same tree, generally undivided or distinctly lobed, and the inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers in drooping catkins on female trees give way to edible blackberry-like fruits that mature in June.
Latin Name
Morus alba
Family
Moraceae
Also Known As
Mulberry
Type of Plant
Trees
Fruits
Bloom Season
March - April
Seasons
Summer
Specifications
Max Height: 50'
Max Spread: 50'
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Part Shade
Tolerances
Attracted Wildlife
Birds
Colors
Native Range
China
History
The leaves of the mulberry tree have been used in China since at least 2600 B.C. as the primary diet for silkworms, and during colonial times the trees were introduced into North America in an effort to establish a silk industry. Washington received 100 white mulberry trees from Aspinwalls Nursery in Connecticut, which he instructed his farm manager, Anthony Whitting, to “plant about in clumps.”
Other Details
Pollinator
Hardiness Zones
Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005
Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility. Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.
Bring Washington's Garden Home
Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.
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