Russian Mulberry (Morus alba var tartarica)

White Mulberries are a valuable addition to food forests and silvopasture systems, especially ones that can survive incredible cold climates. These mulberries provide high yields of nutritious fruit for humans and livestock as well as highly palatable leaves making them a candidate for "tree hay". Their continuous fruiting reduces competition with wildlife, allowing shared harvests. The trees’ ability to grow in poor soils and resist drought makes them a reliable choice for challenging environments. In permaculture designs, they support biodiversity by creating habitat, improving soil health, and offering shade to understory plants.

White Mulberries grow rapidly, developing a rounded crown and extensive root systems that stabilize soil and enhance water retention. In spring, they produce small, greenish flowers, which are wind-pollinated and develop into clusters of fruit. The trees continuously ripen their berries throughout summer, ensuring a prolonged harvest period. They require minimal pruning and are resilient to pests and diseases, making them low-maintenance

Size at Maturity- Sub-Canopy. Typically grows to 20-50 feet tall with a spread of 20-30 feet, though it can be pruned to a smaller size.

Current Size- -XL 3'+, 2 year old seedling
-Large 2'-3', 2 year old seedling
-Medium 1'-2', 2 year old seedling

White Mulberries have been cultivated for thousands of years, originally in China for silkworm production, as the leaves are their primary food source. Over time, the trees have spread globally due to their adaptability and valuable fruit. The berries are rich in vitamins C and K, iron, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to the diet. They can be eaten fresh, dried, or processed into jams, syrups, or wines. White Mulberries are also vital for wildlife, providing food for birds and small mammals, while their fast growth and dense foliage make them an excellent windbreak or shade provider in agroforestry systems.