Morus nigra, commonly called black mulberry, is a flowering perennial deciduous tree, in the fig family, Moraceae. The tree is capable of reaching up to 39 feet tall with a large canopy. The leaves are simple and broad measuring 4 to 8 inches long and 2 to 4 inches wide. Shoots and undersides of leaves are covered in a fuzz-like hair. Fruit are aggregate drupes that turn dark purple, almost black when ripe, giving this plant its common name. Morus nigra produces fruit throughout the summer up to early fall. This species is grown as a food crop as the berries are highly sought after for their exotic sweet taste. The leaves may also be used to feed silkworms. Morus nigra grows best in moist well draining soil, sitting in full sun to partial shade. Once established, the tree is drought resistant and enjoys a thorough watering after the soil dries out. USDA plant hardiness zone 4a to 9b.
Morus nigra seeds require a cold stratification pretreatment. This may be achieved by leaving seeds in a small amount of sterilized moist, but not soaking wet, peat moss, sand, perlite, or vermiculite inside a refrigerator for 2 to 3 months. Seeds should be sown on the surface of the potting mixture and lightly watered in. Sown seeds require consistent moisture but soil should not be soaking wet. Ideal germination temperatures range from 70°F to 85°F. Germination typically takes 2 to 4 weeks to occur. Even with optimal conditions, germination may be slow and sporadic.
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