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The family tree of this garden favorite is open to discussion and at times reads like a who’s who of the plant world, while at other times it appears a bit more convoluted like a royal bloodline in any cloak and dagger mystery novel. While there are some definite species associated with the mulberry, there are also a number of impostors that claim association with this tree in name only.

We all know mulberry trees to be relatively short, at least for trees, quickly growing when young, yet much more slowly growing when mature. Its fruits grow in clusters and turn from red to deep purple. They are not evergreen trees, but instead shed their leaves during the cooler seasons. Preferring warm weather, these trees are said to be native to climactically warmer regions of Africa, Asia, and also the North American continent.

As you are mulling over the mulberry trees you may see in the nursery, or which you may actually have in your backyard, here is a quick overview of several different species that most certainly fall under the umbrella of mulberry.

A true-blue mulberry tree falls under the genus “Morus”, which is a distinction all mulberry trees share. Some horticulturists would have you believe that there are more than one hundred forty-five different species that fall under that genus, while purists amongst that group estimate this number to be much closer to fifteen, partially because of the successful creation of hybrids amongst the species. The purists among the purists will only acknowledge about six species and refuse to count in the hybrids altogether. Discussions amongst these groups are often quite heated, and so far no permanent resolution has been reached.

At this point in time the only species that all of the arborists can agree on sharing the genus “Morus” are:

• The North American red mulberry which is taller than average height and has a large trunk; it lends itself as an addition to any yard as a shade tree. The fruit is certain to attract your local wildlife, even though clean up is usually necessary to dispose of uneaten fruit to prevent insect infestations.
• The North American Texas mulberry with its beautiful leaves, which are rough on both sides. It is extremely well adapted to poor soil conditions, and can survive droughts and heat. Its blooms are yellow and lend a beautiful look to your springtime landscape.
• The Asian white mulberry, which has dark white blooms in March and April, and produces white fruits, is used extensively to support and feed the silkworms, which are an important part of the Asian economy. In North America this small tree is successfully grown in full sun to part shade. Because of its fickle moisture needs, as well as the extensive clean up necessitated by falling fruit; it is considered a high maintenance tree by many hobby gardeners.
• The Asian Chinese mulberry with its big leaves.
• The Asian black mulberry with its dark fruit, bark and reputation for surviving in colder and shadier climates. As a matter of fact, this tree prefers to grow in full to partial shade, and can handle differing watering conditions. Many hobby gardeners see the black mulberry as the hardiest of the bunch and love to add it to problem spots in their landscape.
• The African mulberry with its shorter leaves.

The Himalayan mulberry, which sometimes shows up at specialty nurseries, is a hot topic amongst arborists, since many believe it to be a simple subspecies of the white mulberry, while others cite its striking similarity to the black mulberry as being proof of hybridization.

A close relative of the “Morus” mulberry, a first cousin, perhaps, is the genus “Broussonetia.” Under this genus there are about four species. You may be able to find a member of this latter genus in your local nursery. A quite famous representative is the paper mulberry, which has been used commercially to manufacture, paper from its bark - hence the name.

As you can easily determine, there is much discussion and disagreement exactly onto which trees the honor of being considered a species of the genus “Morus” should be bestowed. One thing, however, arborists, horticulturists, and hobby gardeners can agree on: the mulberry is a wonderful addition to any landscape!