Mulberry trees (Morus) are popular for home landscapes due to their rapid growth, dense canopy, and production of sweet, edible fruit. These deciduous trees provide significant shade within a few years, making them a desirable addition across many climate zones. Before purchasing, buyers must consider species selection, purchasing format, and sourcing location. Understanding cultivar characteristics and nursery logistics ensures you select a tree best suited for your environment and personal goals.
Choosing the Right Cultivar
Selecting the correct species is the initial step, as success depends heavily on matching the tree to your local climate. The three primary species relevant to North American horticulture are White Mulberry (Morus alba), Red Mulberry (Morus rubra), and Black Mulberry (Morus nigra).
The White Mulberry (Morus alba), native to China, is the most cold-hardy and resilient, tolerating a wide range of climates and often persisting in USDA Zones 4 through 9. Although named “White,” its fruit can ripen to white, pink, or black. This species is widely used as a rootstock for grafting other varieties due to its vigor and adaptability.
The Red Mulberry (Morus rubra) is the only species native to the eastern United States and is generally well-suited for humid, temperate climates. Its fruit is typically dark and offers a rich, aromatic flavor with a slight acidic tang, often considered superior to the milder Morus alba fruit. Many popular cultivars, such as ‘Illinois Everbearing,’ are actually hybrids of M. rubra and M. alba, combining the hardiness of the white mulberry with the better fruit quality of the red.
The Black Mulberry (Morus nigra) is highly prized for producing the largest and most intensely flavored fruit, characterized by a balanced sweet-tart profile. This species is less cold-tolerant, generally thriving only in warmer, Mediterranean-like environments (typically USDA Zone 7 or 8 and above). The true Morus nigra is also a slower-growing and longer-lived tree, which may limit its availability in general nurseries. Finally, some varieties are specifically cultivated to be fruitless, which is a consideration for buyers whose primary goal is shade without the mess of falling berries.
Sourcing Options for Mulberry Trees
The question of where to buy a mulberry tree comes down to a trade-off between convenience, price, and selection, with three main options available.
Local retailers, such as garden centers and regional nurseries, allow for immediate, in-person inspection of the plant material. Buyers can personally assess the tree’s size, branch structure, and overall health before purchase, which is beneficial for ensuring a strong start. These local sources often stock cultivars proven to thrive in your specific microclimate, and the staff can provide tailored planting and care advice.
Online nurseries and specialized fruit tree growers offer a broader selection, particularly for rare or unique mulberry cultivars that local stores may not carry. These retailers ship trees directly to your home, often at a competitive price. While you cannot inspect the tree before it arrives, many online vendors offer detailed photos, sizing information, and comprehensive warranty policies to guarantee the plant’s viability upon arrival.
Mail-order catalogs often focus on fruit and edible landscaping, functioning similarly to online nurseries but specializing in dormant stock. This option typically provides access to high-quality grafted trees and the broadest selection of rootstock choices. Whether ordering online or through a catalog, it is prudent to research the nursery’s reputation and read customer reviews to ensure a positive purchasing experience.
Understanding Purchase Formats
Mulberry trees are typically sold in three distinct formats, each influencing the cost, ease of planting, and initial success rate.
Bare-root trees are the most cost-effective option, sold while the plant is dormant, with all soil washed away from the root system. These trees are lightweight and easier to ship, but they must be planted immediately upon arrival in late winter or early spring before they break dormancy.
Container-grown or potted trees are sold actively growing, with their roots contained within the soil and pot. This format offers a higher initial success rate because the root system remains undisturbed during transport, and the buyer has a much longer window of time for planting. However, container trees are generally more expensive due to the higher costs of growing and shipping the heavier material.
The third format is cuttings, which are small sections of dormant wood taken from a mature tree. Cuttings are the least expensive way to acquire a specific variety but require the buyer to have the skill and patience to propagate the material into a viable, rooted plant. This method is best suited for experienced gardeners.
Quality Assurance and Timing
Before completing any purchase, a thorough inspection of the plant is necessary to ensure the tree is healthy and free of potential problems.
On container trees, check the root ball for signs of being pot-bound, where roots circle tightly around the inside of the container. These roots will require teasing apart before planting to ensure proper establishment. Inspect the trunk and branches for signs of common pests, such as cottony masses from mealybugs or clusters of small, sticky insects like aphids.
Look for any white, powdery growth on the leaves, which could indicate powdery mildew, or unusual spots and cankers on the bark, suggesting a fungal issue. If purchasing a grafted variety, ensure the graft union—the slight swelling where the fruiting top (scion) joins the root base (rootstock)—is fully healed and robust. The graft union should also be positioned above the soil line to prevent the scion from developing its own roots, which could negate the purpose of the rootstock.
The optimal time for planting depends entirely on the format you select. Bare-root trees must be purchased and planted in the late winter or very early spring while the tree is completely dormant. Container-grown trees offer maximum flexibility and can be planted successfully anytime the ground is not frozen. However, it is best to avoid planting during the peak heat of summer, which can cause severe transplant stress. Prioritizing a healthy, well-timed planting will significantly increase the tree’s chances of establishing quickly and bearing fruit sooner.