Family: Moraceae
Species: Morus alba var. pendula L.
Common name: Weeping White Mulberry
Etymology
The generic name Morus comes from the Latin mōrus and the Greek móron (“black”), referring to the dark-coloured fruits in some varieties. The specific epithet alba derives from the light colour of the fruit.
Description
Morus alba ‘Pendula’ is obtained by grafting the variety atop a trunk of about 2 metres in height. Numerous thin, straight branches hang down from the graft point, clinging to the trunk. Most grafted plants once belonged to the fruitless (sterile) mulberry, which produces larger, more abundant leaves than the wild type and does not create the mess of ripe fruits falling onto the ground or leaves. Today, this once-popular practice has declined due to the introduction of new garden cultivars bred primarily for ornamental rather than utilitarian uses.
Dimensions
Height: approx. 3–4 m
Trunk diameter: can reach about 2.5 m
Bark: Initially orange, it darkens with age, turning grey. It peels off in scales or plates, revealing orange hues along the fissures. Beneath the outer tissues (bark, leaf epidermis, etc.) lies a dense network of latex canals containing a thick, white, irritating sap.
Leaves: Alternate, heart-shaped (sometimes lobed), shiny dark green on top and turning yellow in autumn. They can be entirely smooth or lobed up to five divisions. Edges may be toothed or wavy. Leaf size can range from 10 cm up to 20–30 cm.
Flowers: This species is typically dioecious (male and female flowers on separate plants), though some specimens may bear both.
Male inflorescences: Tapered catkins with a long stalk. The tiny flowers have four stamens and yellowish anthers.
Female inflorescences: Plumper catkins on shorter stalks.
The plant exhibits an exceptionally rapid pollen release mechanism. Its stamens eject pollen at half the speed of sound (e.g., around 380 mph or 600 km/h), considered the fastest known motion in the plant kingdom.
Fruits: Infructescences (Soros) ripen in June and persist only briefly. They consist of an actual fruit (nutlet) and a fleshy, false fruit. Although referred to as “white” mulberry, the infructescences may vary from pale pink to red, even dark purple.
Habitat
Originally from Central Asia and China.
Properties and Uses
Among the notable health benefits of white mulberry are its anti-diabetic and antibacterial properties.
Notes and Curiosities
M. alba is highly adaptable and hardy.
It was introduced to Europe around the 12th century by Italian monks returning from Asia and by Roger of Sicily, who brought white mulberry trees, silkworms, and skilled weavers to his kingdom. This crop was once of great economic value due to silk production; special regulations encouraged planting and later prohibited felling. Italy, thanks to its favourable climate, was a leading silk producer. Known as the “golden tree” for its profitable return, white mulberry cultivation declined with the rise of synthetic fibres, though interest has recently been revived.
Certain weeping cultivars (like Morus alba var. pendula) are now popular ornamental trees for their shape and the golden hue of their autumn foliage.
Emilia-Romagna's wood is still essential for crafting barrels that produce Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, imparting a distinctive aroma.
Morus alba ‘Pendula’ is hardy, prefers fertile soil, and suits small gardens. It thrives in sunny locations but tolerates partial shade, requiring moist (but not waterlogged) soil. In the Heller garden, a beautiful specimen can be found by the pond with the immaculate seated Buddha statue. Its drooping foliage provides shelter and shade for Koi carp during the hottest hours of summer, and its bright, light-green leaves harmonise well with the hygrophilous plants swaying around the water’s edge in a gentle breeze.