Blackberries and mulberries, despite their similar dark coloration and clustered appearance, are distinct fruits from separate plant families. Understanding their differences helps in accurate identification.
Botanical and Physical Differences
Blackberries belong to the Rubus genus within the Rosaceae family. Mulberries, in contrast, are members of the Morus genus in the Moraceae family. This botanical distinction means they develop and grow in different ways.
The fruits display several physical differences. Blackberries are round or conical, composed of many small, juicy segments called drupelets clustered around a central core. Mulberries tend to be more elongated and cylindrical, resembling a stretched blackberry, and their tiny fruit segments are fused around a fleshy stem. While both can be dark purple or black when ripe, mulberries exhibit a wider color range, including white and red varieties. Blackberries often feel bumpy from their individual drupelets and can be quite fragile, whereas mulberries generally have a smoother form.
Their flavor profiles also differ. Blackberries are known for a balance of sweetness and tartness. Mulberries are sweeter and less tart, with some varieties offering a milder flavor. A significant distinction in their growth habits is that blackberries grow on thorny canes, often forming dense bushes or brambles. Mulberries, conversely, grow on trees that can vary greatly in size.
Practical Identification Tips
One of the most reliable ways to distinguish between a blackberry and a mulberry is by examining how the fruit detaches from its plant. When a blackberry is picked, its white or green central core, known as the receptacle, remains attached to the fruit. This means a picked blackberry will not be hollow in the center. Conversely, a mulberry detaches cleanly from its stem when picked, leaving a small hollow where the stem was.
Observing the plant itself provides clear identification cues. Mulberries grow on trees, which can often be quite tall. Blackberries, by contrast, are found on bushes or sprawling canes, which are typically thorny. The leaves also offer clues: mulberry leaves can vary widely in shape, even on the same tree, sometimes appearing lobed or mitten-shaped, with serrated edges. Blackberry leaves are generally more consistent, typically oval to lanceolate with fine tooth-like margins.
Seasonality can further aid in distinguishing the two fruits. Mulberries generally ripen earlier in the season, often from late spring to early summer. Blackberries typically have a later peak season, usually ripening from mid to late summer or extending into early fall. Their natural habitats also differ; wild mulberries might be found in urban environments or along roadsides, while blackberries are commonly encountered in hedgerows, forest edges, and open fields.