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Russian mulberry Adobe Acrobat Version |
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Morus alba, or Russian mulberry (photo), despite its name, is native to China and has been extensively planted on the Great Plains. It is a small dense,
round-topped tree reaching a mature height of 15 to 20 feet with a crown spread equal to the height. It is a moderate-growing tree and the hardiest form of mulberry. Leaves, Stems and Fruit Lobed and irregularly lobed leaves (photo) often occur on the same tree. They are simple, alternate along the stem, 3 to 5 inches long and 2 to 4 inches wide with a dark green color. Flowering occurs in the spring with male and female flowers occurring on the same or on separate trees. Fruit is a multiple drupe, similar to a blackberry, varying in color from red to white ripening from June through August. Bark is dark brown tinged with red or yellow becoming plate-like or scaly with age. Use Windbreaks - Russian mulberry is an excellent windbreak species throughout the state. Because of its small size, it is used best as an outer row on multi-row windbreaks. It also is used as a single row field windbreak. Wildlife - With its dense crown and heavy fruit crops, the Russian mulberry provides both summer food and year-round cover. It is an excellent wildlife plant used by a variety of birds and mammals. Firewood - Russian mulberry can be incorporated in firewood plantings especially where poor, drought soils limit use of more desirable species. The wood is dense and has a high heat value. Adaptation and Soil Russian mulberry is a very hardy and drought tolerant tree. It can grow on most soils throughout the state. Spacing Russian mulberry should be spaced 8 to 12 feet apart in windbreaks. Spacing in firewood plantings can vary from 6 x 10 feet to 12 x 12 feet. Culture One-year-old, bare root seedlings, 18 to 24 inches tall are used in tree plantings. Good survival and growth rate can be expected with proper site preparation and weed control. Pests There are no major insect or disease problems. |
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