Morus, a genus of flowering plants in the family Moraceae, comprises 10–16 species of deciduous trees commonly known as mulberries, growing wild and under cultivation in many temperate world regions.
Mulberry trees (Morus spp.) enjoyed popularity in years past as ornamental shade trees as well as for their copious edible fruit, which can be eaten raw or made into luscious preserves, pies and wine. Mulberry trees bear small, unremarkable blooms that become plentiful fruits that look much akin to a slender blackberry. The berries ripen in stages and drop from the tree as they mature. Mulberry trees require minimal care. There are three types of mulberry trees most commonly grown. Black mulberry – The most flavorful berries come from the black mulberry (Morus nigra). These trees are native to western Asia. Red mulberry – Hardier than black mulberries, red mulberries (Morus rubra) are native to North America where they thrive in deep rich soils found along bottomlands and streams. White mulberry – White mulberries (Morus alba tatarica) were imported from China, naturalized and hybridized with the native red mulberry.
