Mulberry trees (Morus) are fast-growing, deciduous trees prized globally for their edible fruit and adaptability. The mature size of a mulberry tree is highly dependent on the specific species, cultivar, and growing environment. They exhibit a wide spectrum of growth habits, ranging from towering shade trees to small garden shrubs.
Defining Mature Height by Species
The mature height of a mulberry tree is primarily determined by its species, with the three main types showing distinct size ranges. The Red Mulberry (Morus rubra), native to North America, is the tallest species, typically reaching 35 to 50 feet. Some specimens have been recorded at nearly 70 feet under optimal conditions, and this native tree is known for its broad, rounded crown.
The White Mulberry (Morus alba), which originated in China, is the most widely cultivated species globally. It generally grows to a height of 30 to 50 feet, though it can occasionally reach 60 feet. This medium-sized tree has a fast growth rate and high variability, leading to many cultivars, including weeping or contorted forms.
The Black Mulberry (Morus nigra) is a shorter, often broader species, typically maturing between 20 and 40 feet tall. This species is highly valued for its superior fruit flavor and exceptionally long lifespan, with some trees living for several centuries. Specific cultivars, such as the ‘Dwarf Everbearing’ variety, have been bred to remain small, growing as a compact bush only 4 to 6 feet tall.
Understanding Growth Rate and Lifespan
Mulberry trees are characterized by rapid growth, especially during their juvenile years. Many species, such as the White Mulberry, can add 3 to 5 feet of vertical growth per year when young and provided with favorable conditions. This fast initial growth allows them to establish a significant canopy quickly, making them popular choices for shade trees.
This rapid vertical growth naturally slows down as the tree reaches maturity, shifting energy toward lateral branch development and fruit production. The time required to reach full height varies; Black Mulberry is known for its slower growth, often taking 20 to 50 years to reach its 30 to 40-foot potential. Lifespan is also species-dependent: Red Mulberry lives 75 to 125 years, White Mulberry lasts 100 to 250 years, and Black Mulberry can live for 500 to 1,000 years in ideal environments.
Managing Tree Size Through Cultivation
Even when a mulberry has the genetic potential to become a large tree, specific pruning and cultivation practices can significantly alter its final size. For trees planted in smaller gardens or for ease of harvest, techniques like pollarding are frequently employed. Pollarding involves making an initial severe heading cut on a young tree at a desired height, such as 6 to 10 feet, to establish a fixed trunk structure.
After the initial cut, all new growth is removed back to the same point, known as the ‘knob,’ every one to three years. This process maintains the tree at a permanently reduced size. A related method, coppicing, involves cutting the tree down to the ground to encourage a multi-stemmed, shrub-like form. This is effective for producing an abundance of new, easily reachable growth. Planting a mulberry in a container also naturally restricts its overall size by limiting root expansion, which keeps even a vigorous variety small enough for a patio.