The mulberry tree is a medium-sized deciduous tree that produces small, tasty-but-messy berries that resemble blackberries. Both the red mulberry (Morus rubus) and the white mulberry (Morus alba) are common in North America and feature dark green leaves with serrated edges. Mulberry trees thrive in areas with rich, well-drained, moist soil that receive full to partial sunlight, and they do best in growing season temperatures between 68 and 86 degrees (though most are hardy to minus 25 degrees). While the fruit is safe to eat, the leaves and unripe fruit of mulberry trees contain a latex that is mildly toxic to humans.

• Feature: Mulberry trees can thrive in both full sun and partial shade conditions. As with many fruiting trees, more light helps the trees produce more fruit.


• Feature: Mulberry trees are somewhat adaptable and can deal with clay, loam, and sandy soil with ease, as long as the mixture can maintain sufficient drainage. The trees can thrive in a range of pH levels varying from neutral to mildly acidic.


• Water Your Mulberry Tree Deeply And Regularly After Planting To Help It Establish A Strong Root System. Using 2 To 3 Gallons Per Week For The First Year Is Recommended. Once Established, Mulberry Trees Are Fairly Drought: tolerant, though prolonged dry weather can lead to a reduction in fruiting or early dropping of the unripe berries.


• Mulberry Trees Often Do Quite Well With No Fertilization, Though They Can Benefit From A Yearly Application. Feed Your Tree Once In Late Winter, Using A Balanced 10: 10-10 mixture and measuring out 1 pound of fertilizer for each inch in the trunk's diameter.


• Feature: Mulberry plants grow best when they receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.