Black Mulberry - Morus nigra

Black Mulberry, Morus nigra

Few fruiting trees carry the presence and provenance of the Black Mulberry. A long-lived, architectural specimen with deep cultural roots, Morus nigra delivers striking seasonal interest, generous harvests of richly flavoured fruit, and a gnarled, sculptural form that only improves with age.

Why Black Mulberry

Longevity and structure: One of the most long-lived fruiting trees available, develops a commanding, characterful form that becomes a permanent landscape asset over decades.
Fruit quality: Bears an abundance of deep purple-black fruit with an intense, complex flavour superior to white or red mulberry varieties.
Seasonal interest: Bold, lush foliage through spring and summer; warm golden tones in autumn before a striking bare canopy through winter.
Low intervention: Established specimens are exceptionally hardy and drought-tolerant, requiring minimal inputs once settled into site.
Prestige appeal: A tree with genuine heritage value, historically planted on estates and formal properties, and immediately recognisable to discerning clients.

Ideal Applications

Estate and prestige residential: A statement specimen for expansive lawns or formal grounds where longevity and character are priorities.
Orchard and kitchen gardens: Anchors productive landscape zones with structure and scale beyond a standard fruiting tree.
Courtyard planting: Suited to generous, paved settings where its sculptural trunk and canopy can be appreciated up close.
Rural and acreage properties: Performs exceptionally in open, full-sun positions with room to develop its full mature spread.

Specimen & Installation

Spacing (feature/avenue): 8–12m
Planting Season: Late autumn to early spring (dormant season)
Soil & Drainage: Deep, fertile, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types including clay and loam; moderate moisture retention preferred
Establishment Care: Water deeply and regularly for the first two to three years until fully established, particularly during dry summers. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the root zone to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch clear of the trunk.

Plant Details

Height: 8–15m
Width: 8–12m
Growth Rate: Slow
Foliage: Deciduous
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Native to: Western Asia (likely Iran and surrounding regions)
Flower Colour: Insignificant