Mulberry (Morus spp.)
Tree candy in June. Leaves for silkworms, fruit for everyone else.
What It Is
Mulberries are fast-growing, generous fruit trees found along field edges, old homesteads, alleys, and fence lines. Their berries shift through white, red, and deep purple depending on species and ripeness. Leaves are famously variable sometimes whole, sometimes deeply lobed which tricks beginners but becomes charming once you know what you’re looking at.
Tree candy in June. Leaves for silkworms, fruit for everyone else.
What It Is
Mulberries are fast-growing, generous fruit trees found along field edges, old homesteads, alleys, and fence lines. Their berries shift through white, red, and deep purple depending on species and ripeness. Leaves are famously variable sometimes whole, sometimes deeply lobed which tricks beginners but becomes charming once you know what you’re looking at.
Use It Like This
Berries
Eat fresh by the handful.
Freeze for smoothies, pies, and cobblers.
Cook into jams, syrups, wines, and shrubs.
Dry for trail mixes or baking.
Leaves
Young leaves can be cooked like mild greens.
Steep the dried leaves for a simple earthy tea.
Silkworms thrive on them for a reason; they’re nutrient-rich.
Bark & Wood
Inner bark used traditionally for cordage.
Wood is flexible and useful for craft projects.
Tip: Mulberries ripen unevenly. The easiest harvest method is a sheet under the tree and a gentle shake.
Harvest Notes
Fruit stains everything clothing, fingers, driveway but it’s worth it.
Watch for white, red, and black/purple species around the same area.
Birds will beat you to the highest branches.
Check for fallen ripe berries after rain and windstorms.
Wild Pantry Snapshot
Mulberry is sweetness without ceremony. Eat it fresh, freeze it deep, and let it anchor early summer with color and abundance.
