Identifying a mulberry can be a rewarding experience, whether you’re a botanist, a nature enthusiast, or just someone interested in understanding more about the flora around you. Mulberry, belonging to the Moraceae family, are commonly found in various parts of the world and are known for their delicious berries and distinctive leaves. This blog will guide you through the process of identifying trees by examining their key characteristics, including leaves, fruits, bark, and overall growth patterns. How to identify mulberry tree?
Mulberry Trees
Mulberry are deciduous plants that belong to the Morus genus. There are several species of trees, but the most common ones include the red and white mulberry, (morus species alba), red mulberry (Morus rubra), and black mulberry (Morus nigra).
These same tree are cherished for their sweet, nutritious fruits and their hardy nature. They have been cultivated for thousands of years, not only for their fruit but also for their leaves, which are the primary food source for feed silkworms in the silk production industry.
Types of Mulberry
White Mulberry (Morus alba)
White mulberries are native to China and were introduced to North America for the purpose of establishing a silk industry. They are known for their white to light purple fruits and male and female flowers and are the most widely cultivated species.
Red Mulberry (Morus rubra)
Red are native to North America. They produce dark green to purple to almost black fruits when ripe red and white mulberries are valued for their sweet and juicy berries.
Black Mulberry (Morus nigra)
Black mulberries, Morus nigra, are native to western Asia and the Middle East. They produce large, dark purple to black fruits (morus nigra) that are both edible and renowned for their superior flavor.
Identifying Mulberry Leaves
Leaves are one of the most distinctive features of mulberry trees. Here are some key characteristics to look for:
- Shape and Size: Mulberry leaves are generally heart-shaped with serrated edges. They can vary in size but are typically 3 to 6 inches long. The leaves of the black mulberry are often more lobed than those of the white and red varieties.
- Texture: The surface of mulberry leaves is somewhat rough to the touch. The underside is typically softer and may have fine hairs.
- Color: Mulberry leaves are a vibrant green during the growing season. They turn yellow in the fall before shedding.
- Arrangement: The leaves are alternately arranged on the stems.
Recognizing Mulberry Fruits
Mulberry fruits resemble blackberries and raspberries but are distinct in several ways:
- Color: The color of the fruit varies by species. White mulberry can be white, pink, or even purple when ripe. Red mulberrie turn from red to dark purple or black. Black mulberries are dark purple to black when ripe.
- Size and Shape: Mulberries are cylindrical and about 1 to 1.5 inches long. They grow in clusters on the upright tree.
- Taste: Mulberry fruits are sweet with a slightly tart flavor. Black mulberries are considered the most flavorful, followed by red and then white.
- Ripening Season: Mulberries typically ripen in late spring to early summer.
Leaf Thickness
Morus nigra is distinguished by its relatively thick and substantial leaves compared to the foliage of most other mulberry cultivars. The thickness of its leaves can aid in identifying this preferred species:
Select a couple of mature leaves that are at least 4 inches long. Using sharp scissors, tree cut ten similarly-sized rectangular sections from the leaves, avoiding any part of the primary vein. Stack these sections on top of each other, then hold the stack between your thumb and index finger, leaving a bit protruding. With the scissors against your fingertips, make a fresh cut through the stack.
Gently squeeze the stack and measure its thickness with a metric ruler. If the stack measures approximately four millimeters or more, it is likely to be Morus nigra. However, this does not confirm its identity definitively, as other cultivars also have leaves of similar thickness. In comparison, most cultivars of Morus alba and Morus rubra typically measure two to three millimeters thick when stacked in this manner.
Leaf Characteristics
The shape and size of mulberry leaves are highly variable between species, hybrids, and cultivars, and can even differ significantly on the same plant based on the plant’s age and sunlight exposure.
Generally, Morus alba cultivars feature an upper leaf surface that is waxy and glossy, while Morus rubra cultivars (and hybrids) and Morus nigra have relatively thin and duller leaves.
Typical Morus nigra Leaf Characteristics (with 1/2 inch mat squares for scale):
- Upper Surface: Generally dull compared to the glossy appearance of Morus alba.
- Lower Surface: Quite hairy, providing a soft pubescent feel when lightly stroked.
A notable characteristic of Morus rubra is its pronounced acuminate leaf apex (the tip of the leaf). Additionally, Morus rubra and some branches of its hybrids have an upper leaf surface that is highly textured.
Examples of Leaf Variations:
- Morus nigra (Noir de Spain) with lobed leaves.
- Unusual Morus nigra (Black Mulberry) leaf shapes.
- Red Mulberry (Morus rubra) with a pronounced acuminate leaf apex.
- Textured leaf surface of Red Mulberry (Morus rubra).
Morus alba ‘Itoguwa’, discovered and named in Japan, grows into a small, non-fruiting shrub.
Texture Differences:
- Morus nigra and Morus rubra (and most hybrids): Leaves have a sandpaper-like feel when stroked gently on the upper surface in the direction of the petiole.
- Morus alba: Cultivars feel nearly the same in either direction on the upper leaf surface.
By understanding these characteristics, one can better distinguish between the various mulberry species and cultivars.
Examining Mulberry Bark and Trunk
The bark and trunk of mulberry provide additional identification clues:
- Bark Texture: Young trees have smooth bark, which becomes more ridged and furrowed with age. The bark of the black mulberry tends to be more deeply fissured than that of the white or red mulberry.
- Color: The bark color ranges from light gray to dark brown.
- Trunk Shape: Mulberry generally have a short trunk with a dense, spreading canopy. The trunk can be gnarled and twisted, particularly in older trees.
Understanding Mulberry Tree Growth Patterns
Growth patterns can also help in identifying trees:
- Height: Can vary significantly in height. White mulberries can grow up to 60 feet tall, while red and black mulberries usually reach around 30 to 40 feet.
- Canopy Shape: Mulberry have a broad, rounded canopy. This spreading nature provides ample shade.
- Growth Rate: Mulberry grow relatively quickly, which is one reason they are popular in both urban and rural settings.
Habitat and Distribution
Understanding where red and white mulberry trees are commonly found can aid in identification:
- Native Regions: As mentioned, white mulberry are native to China, red mulberries to North America, and black mulberries to the Middle East and western Asia.
- Preferred Soil: Mulberry are adaptable to a variety of soil types but prefer well-drained, loamy soils.
- Climate: Mulberries thrive in temperate to subtropical climates. They can tolerate a range of conditions but do best in areas with warm summers.
Differences Between Mulberry and Similar Trees
Several trees can be confused with mulberries due to similar leaves or fruits. Here are some distinguishing features:
- Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera): Often mistaken for mulberries due to its similar leaves, the osage orange brown produces large, green, wrinkled fruits that are very different from mulberries.
- Fig Trees (Ficus carica): Fig leaves can look somewhat like mulberry leaves, but figs produce a distinct, fleshy fruit that does not resemble mulberries.
- Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus): Blackberries grow on canes rather than separate trees. Their leaves are compound, with three to five leaflets, unlike the simple leaves of mulberries.
Uses and Benefits of Mulberry Trees
Mulberry trees are valued for more than just leaf size and their fruit:
- Culinary Uses: Mulberries can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in jams, jellies, and desserts.
- Nutritional Value: Mulberries are rich in vitamins C and K, iron, and antioxidants.
- Silk Production: The leaves of the white mulberry are the primary food source for silkworms, making them essential in silk production.
- Medicinal Uses: Various parts of the mulberry have been used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as constipation, sore throat, and respiratory issues.
Conservation and Environmental Impact
Mulberry have both positive and negative impacts on the environment:
- Erosion Control: Mulberry have extensive root systems that help prevent soil erosion.
- Biodiversity: They provide food and habitat for various wildlife species, including birds and insects.
- Invasive Potential: In some regions, white mulberrie are considered invasive, outcompeting native species and disrupting local ecosystems.
Optimal Times for Gathering Mulberries
Mulberries typically ripen in June and July across their usual regions. The berries are ripe when they fall from the buds to the branch effortlessly, without the buds needing to be plucked.
For the best quality, harvest leaves and shoots while they are young and tender, especially early in the season or when the tree produces new vigorous stems.
Reasons to Forage for Mulberries
Asian mulberries are abundant yet largely overlooked. Many Americans may recognize mulberries but often view them as a nuisance due to the stains they leave on driveways and cars. Few consider the culinary potential of these berries, which grow abundantly overhead, requiring no cultivation and offering a free, nutritious food source.
How to Harvest and Use Mulberries
Before harvesting mulberries in large quantities, sample a few from the same tree, to ensure their flavor is to your liking, as it can vary significantly. To collect, spread a tarp under the tree and gently shake the branches, allowing the ripest berries to fall. Handle these delicate fruits gently to prevent crushing them.
In culinary applications, mulberries can replace blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Since they are less tart, consider combining them with other berries in jams and jellies. For an ample harvest of only decent-tasting berries, making wine is a viable option, potentially yielding a rich, complex beverage reminiscent of sweet Port wine.
For preservation, freezing is straightforward, but you can also make edible fruit leather by smashing and drying the berries. Greens and young shoots are mild in flavor and can be enjoyed either eaten raw or lightly sautéed.
Sustainable Practices with Mulberries
Often viewed as invasive, Asian mulberries are entrenched in North America long history and unlikely to be eradicated. However, preserving native American mulberry varieties can benefit local ecosystems, especially if you remove Asian mulberries in areas where native species are present.
The management of Asian mulberries should be thoughtful, considering the ecological impacts of removing these trees. Instead of aggressively eliminating them simply because they are invasive, it’s worth reflecting on the broader ecological consequences and perhaps focussing on protecting native plant species while still making use of the invasive ones’ abundance They can also be planted on separate trees.
Cultivating your own mulberries from nurseries can be rewarding, with a variety of cultivars available, primarily derived from mulberry morus alba cultivars or the rare M. nigra. If planting your own, consider the propensity for hybridization within the Morus genus and manage nearby Asian mulberries accordingly.
Conclusion
Identifying a mulberry involves examining various characteristics, including leaves, fruits, bark, and growth patterns. By understanding these features, you can accurately recognise mulberry in different environments. Mulberries are valuable for their nutritional benefits, role in silk production, and contribution to biodiversity.
However, it’s also important to be aware of their potential invasiveness in certain areas. Whether you’re foraging for fruit, studying botany, or simply enjoying nature, knowing how to identify mulberries enhances your appreciation of these remarkable plants.
