Texas Mulberry
Morus microphylla
Family: Moraceae
What it is like
Morus microphylla is a deciduous Tree growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in July. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 6
Where it is found
In canyons on dry limestone hills and igneous slopes, usually along streams at elevations of 200 - 2200 metres.
South-western N. America - Texas to Arizona, south to Mexico.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw. Small and dry. Sweet and palatable. The fruits can be sweet or sour. The fruit can be dried for later use. It is up to 15mm in diameter.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The twigs have been split in half lengthways and used to make serviceable baskets. Wood - heavy, hard, elastic, close grained. Used for carpentry, but it is too small to be commercially important.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
Prefers a warm well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position. Formerly cultivated for its edible fruit by the North American Indians. Mulberries have brittle roots and so need to be handled with care when planting them out. Any pruning should only be carried out in the winter when the plant is fully dormant because mulberries bleed badly when cut. Ideally prune only badly placed branches and dead wood. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagating it: The seed germinates best if given 2 - 3 months cold stratification. Sow the seed as soon as it is ripe if possible, otherwise in February in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in the first spring, though it sometimes takes another 12 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Plant out in spring. A good percentage take, though they sometimes fail to thrive. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 25 - 30cm with a heel of 2 year old wood, autumn or early spring in a cold frame or a shady bed outside. Bury the cuttings to threequarters of their depth. Layering in autumn.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist