White mulberry
Morus alba
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Pl. EB9C — Morus alba
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IOverview
Overview
The White mulberry is a perennial tree or shrub native to the tropical regions of western and central Africa. It is widely distributed across several countries in the region, including Angola, Benin, Cameroon, and Ghana. The plant is known for its edible fruit, which is often consumed fresh or used in traditional medicine. One distinctive feature of Morus alba is its ability to thrive in a variety of soil types, from light sandy soils to heavy clay, making it a versatile species in its native habitat. Another notable characteristic is the edibility of its various parts, including the fruit, inner bark, leaves, and shoots, which can be used as food sources by humans and animals alike.
Quick answers
What is White mulberry?
The White mulberry is a perennial tree or shrub native to the tropical regions of western and central Africa. It is widely distributed across several countries in the region, including Angola, Benin, Cameroon, and Ghana.
What is White mulberry used for?
Traditionally used for energy & focus. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of White mulberry
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: White mulberry appears in herbal sources around clarity and study-routine traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The White mulberry is a perennial tree or shrub that thrives in temperate regions with moderate to high humidity. It prefers well-drained soil, including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay types, but can tolerate a wide pH range of 5-7. The plant requires consistent moisture, making it suitable for areas with average rainfall. In terms of lighting, the White mulberry tolerates partial shade to full sun, with an energy rating of 7/10. Hardy in zones ranging from 3 to 9, it can grow up to 18 meters tall and 13 meters wide. The plant can be propagated through its edible parts, including fruit, inner bark, leaves, and shoots.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
18 m × 13 m
Soil pH
5–7
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow White mulberry for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of White mulberry to experience growing trees from scratch.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young saplings, a garden trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure the area gets full sun.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
For seeds, sow them 1-2 cm deep in moist soil. For saplings, dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer if needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young trees to shape them and remove any dead or diseased branches. Harvest leaves for silkworms or fruit when ripe.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitInner barkLeavesShoots
Edible uses: Manna, Tea
Other uses:BiomassDyeFiberAnimal feedWind breakerTanninLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
23 native · 7 introduced
Distribution
23 native · 7 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 23 native· 7 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Albania
Asia2 regions
native (1)China
introduced (1)Afghanistan
Africa19 regions
native (18)AngolaBeninCameroonCôte d'IvoireEquatorial GuineaGabonGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauKenyaLiberiaMauritaniaNamibiaNigeriaSenegalSierra LeoneTanzaniaUganda
introduced (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu, Congo, Zaïre
introduced:Arkansas, Argentina Northwest, Argentina Northeast, Alabama
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
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