Mulberry plants are known for their sweet, edible fruits, but their classification often causes confusion. Many wonder if a mulberry is a tree or a bush, a question stemming from the varied forms these plants can take, which influences how they are perceived and managed.
Mulberry: A Plant of Dual Forms
Mulberry plants (Morus) exhibit characteristics of both trees and bushes. Botanically classified as deciduous trees, their natural growth and human intervention can lead to a shrub-like appearance. This dual nature means a mulberry can grow as a large, single-trunk tree or a multi-stemmed, shorter plant resembling a bush.
Certain species inherently grow into substantial trees with a distinct trunk and broad crown. The Red Mulberry (Morus rubra) typically develops into a medium-sized tree, reaching 30 to 50 feet. The White Mulberry (Morus alba) is a fast-growing tree that can attain 30 to 60 feet with a wide canopy.
In contrast, other mulberry types or specific growing conditions can encourage a more compact, multi-stemmed form. The Black Mulberry (Morus nigra) is a smaller tree, generally 20 to 40 feet tall, and can grow with numerous branches, tending towards a bush-like shape if not trained.
Factors Influencing Mulberry’s Growth Habits
Mulberry growth forms are influenced by genetic programming, human practices, and environmental conditions. Different species have distinct natural tendencies for size and structure. For example, Morus rubra typically develops a single trunk and a broad crown, establishing itself as a tree.
Human intervention, particularly pruning, significantly shapes a mulberry’s growth. Techniques like pollarding or coppicing, which involve cutting back branches severely, can maintain a naturally tree-like mulberry in a smaller, multi-stemmed, bush-like form. This practice is often employed to keep fruit within reach or manage plant size in confined spaces. Even aggressive pruning for size control can transform a tree into what appears to be a large shrub.
Environmental factors also play a role in a mulberry’s development. Adequate sunlight encourages robust, upright growth, while limited light might result in a more sprawling, less defined structure. Soil quality, drainage, nutrient content, and space affect root system and canopy development.
Practical Implications for Gardeners and Enthusiasts
Understanding whether a mulberry is growing as a tree or a bush has direct implications for its placement and care. Gardeners can determine the plant’s form by observing its main stem structure. A single, prominent trunk indicates a tree, while multiple stems emerging from near the ground suggest a bush-like habit.
For cultivation and management, this understanding guides decisions on planting location and spacing. Because some mulberry varieties produce abundant, staining fruit, strategic placement away from walkways, driveways, or patios is advised. Proper spacing, typically 15 to 20 feet apart for mature trees, accommodates their root systems and canopy development.
Pruning techniques vary depending on the desired outcome. If a tree form is preferred, light pruning to establish a strong framework and remove dead or crossing branches is sufficient. For a bushier form or to maintain a smaller size, more intensive pruning, performed in late fall or winter when dormant, can be employed.