Morus alba

Witte moerbei / White mulberry

Moraceae (Moerbeifamilie)

Asia (whole), Europe (whole)

Back View cultivars and rootstocks

Edible plant part (2)

Fruits, leaves
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods

Toxic plant part (1)

None

White mulberry belongs to the small trees-large shrubs in the food forest. In the process of ecological succession it is a mid species. The growth rate is fast. Fully grown the plant has an average height of 4 to 10 meter. and a width of 4 to 6 meter.
The foliage (or leaf cover) is dense. The White mulberry is decidious. It buds in april and it loses its leaves in november.
This species forms a fibrous deep root system. This species is non spreading in the food forest. White mulberry is no nitrogen fixer.

Disclaimer: The types of cultivars and hybrids in this database have been carefully chosen for good quality properties for food forests. They do not mean instant success. Food forestry is still a young field in which it is a core value to have the right plant in the right place and to focus on great diversity.

foto: GerardM, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Morus-alba.jpg

foto: GerardM, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Morus-alba.jpg

foto: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Morus_alba_%28Mariemont%29_JPG1a.jpg

Growth factors

Frost (whole plant): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Frost (flowers): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Light: full sun

light shade

half shade

fairly deep shade

deep shade
Wind: strong sea wind

strong wind

some wind

sheltered

very sheltered
Soil texture: sand

loam

light clay

heavy clay

peat
Soil moisture: inundation

wet

moist

dry

drought
Groundwater level: very low

low

medium

high

very high
Soil acidity: very acid

acid

neutral

alkaline

very alkaline
Soil fertility: very rich

rich

average

poor

very poor

Voorkeur

Ongeschikt

Flowering and pollination

Flowering period (peak): varies per cultivar, mid june
Flowering period (length): several weeks
Pollination vector: wind
Plant reproductive fertility: male and female plants needed, self sterile, self-fertile (sf), varies per cultivar

Life Span and Plant Health

Disease susceptibility

very resistant

Main serious pests and diseases

slugs, roe deer

Harvest and Consumption

Fruits

Leaves

Harvest location edible part: Above reach, ground layer, high, but within reach, varies per cultivar
Harvesting period - start: Varies per cultivar, end of june, early july, mid july, end of july, early august, mid august, end of august
Harvesting period - length: Month, several months, several weeks, varies per cultivar
Harvesting period - uniformity: Low, medium
Suitable harvesting methods: Hand, mechanical, simple tool
Form of consumption: Fresh, processed
Natural storability: Week
Suitable markets: Niche
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 5
Productive life span - peak (year) - minimum: 12

Harvesting period - start: End of august
Harvesting period - length: Several months, several weeks
Suitable harvesting methods: Hand, simple tool
Form of consumption: Fresh, processed
Natural storability: Day
Suitable markets: Niche
Productive life span - start (year) - maximum: 2

Culinary appreciation

Fruits are sold dried as a superfood. The leaves are rich in protein and minerals. Fruits come in different colors with different flavors, reminiscent of blackberries.

References