Morus alba Milanowek - White Mulberry

Morus alba 'Milanovek' is a selection of White Mulberry of Polish origin sought after for its cold resistance and productivity. The tree produces large, elongated, black fruits that have a sweet flavour when ripe. This variety is also known for its long fruiting period, from June to September: its branches bear fruits of different colours, giving the vegetation a real ornamental value. Like all mulberries, 'Milanovek' is an excellent shade tree. It is very hardy and also resistant to heat and drought.

The 'Milanovek' mulberry belongs to the Moraceae family. Like all trees in this botanical family, it produces latex in its tissues. Mature specimens, which retain the memory of many pollarding prunings, often have a hollow, twisted trunk that is truly picturesque.

Morus 'Milanowek' is a tree with a short, thick trunk, topped by a spreading crown that can be somewhat irregular if not pruned. It is more commonly seen shaped into a rounded and compact head after pruning. Its growth is rapid during the first few years and then slows down. It can reach between 6 and 10m in all directions. Its light grey bark cracks to become thicker, and then turns grey-brown. The deciduous leaves are polymorphous, meaning their appearance can vary depending on their position on the branches. They measure 6 to 8cm in diameter, 10 to 20cm in length, and are alternate, petiolate, either simple and heart-shaped, or divided into 3 to 7 more or less deep lobes, with an irregularly toothed margin. The upper surface of the leaf is shiny and light green, turning golden yellow in autumn. The White Mulberry develops male or female flowers in different locations on the same tree in March-April. Its discreet flowering consists of male or female catkins composed of tiny green-yellow flowers. In June-July, the female flowers produce fleshy fruits, measuring up to 10cm long. Their colour changes from green to white, then to pink, red, and purple, almost black when ripe. They are edible and loved by birds. The root system of this tree, both taproot and running, does not tolerate transplanting well. Its strength means it should be planted at a respectable distance from buildings. Its lifespan can reach or even exceed 150 years.

Morus alba 'Milanowek' grows in fertile, well-worked, and well-drained soil in a sunny location. It tolerates pollution well but is not suitable for coastal areas or areas with salt spray. Uncultivated land benefits from its presence, as its leaves gradually enrich the soil each autumn. Traditionally used as a street tree, it can also be planted in a fruit hedge, for example, alongside blackthorns, mirabelle plums, medlars, viburnums, and dogwoods, much to the delight of birds. It can also be an interesting specimen planted alone in the middle of a lawn. Avoid planting it near a terrace, as its fruits can stain the ground. It can also be used to shade a chicken coop, as the fallen fruits will be eaten by the chickens. Its leaves are food for silkworms and can be used as fodder for rabbits.

The fruits of the 'Milanowek' white mulberry are consumed fresh or cooked. They are much sweeter than the fruits of the black mulberry, and they contain vitamins C, D, and E, as well as iron. They can be eaten raw, used to make jams and jellies, or used as a topping for pies. They add a touch of sweetness to summer salads and fruit salads. Their flavour pairs well with blackberries (wild blackberry or cultivated blackberry) and stone fruits such as apricots, plums, and peaches. Those who enjoy sweet and savoury combinations can use them to accompany pork, duck, or game. They also pair well with basil, mint, baking spices, arugula, cream, mascarpone, or mixed with citrus fruits.