Morus alba Pendula - Mullberry

Morus alba 'Pendula' is a variety of White Mulberry with a weeping habit. Its long, flexible, trailing branches are adorned with deciduous, dense, and lush light green foliage, forming a true vegetal curtain around the trunk. This small tree produces fruits typical of the species, in the form of pinkish-white to purplish-red, or even blackish, berries which are harvested in late spring. They are edible, with a juicy and sweet taste. Its leaves have been used as food for silkworms since time immemorial. Very hardy (up to -28°C (1°F)) and resistant to heat and drought. It has a powerful root system and prefers deep but well-drained soils. This small cultivar will make an excellent specimen tree, even in a small garden.

Morus alba, also known as common Chinese mulberry, belongs to the Moraceae family. It produces latex in its tissues, like all members of its family. Native to Mongolia and India, it was introduced to France in the late 15th century, allowing the development of sericulture.

The cultivar 'Pendula' forms a small tree with a short and thick trunk, topped with a rounded and distinctly weeping crown, thanks to its long trailing branches. Its growth is rapid during the first few years, then slows down. Its height is determined by the position of the graft point. However, 'Pendula' rarely exceeds 3m (10ft) in height with a spread of 5m (16ft). Its light grey bark cracks to become thicker, and then turns greyish-brown. The deciduous leaves are polymorphous, meaning their appearance can vary depending on their position on the branches. They measure 6 to 8cm (2 to 3in) in diameter, 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in) 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 shiny upper surface of the lamina is pale green, turning golden yellow in autumn. In April, it produces male or female flowers in different locations on the same tree. Its insignificant flowering consists of male or female catkins composed of tiny green-yellow flowers. In June-July, the female flowers produce fleshy ovoid fruits, which are white then pinkish-purple when ripe, measuring 2 to 3cm (1in). The berries are edible but somewhat rubbery, and are highly coveted by birds. Its root system is both taproot and trailing, and does not tolerate transplanting well. Its power implies that it should be planted at a respectable distance from buildings.

Morus alba 'Pendula' is very hardy. It grows in fertile, well-worked and well-drained soil, in a warm and sunny location. It tolerates pollution well but is not suited for coastal areas and salt spray. Uncultivated lands will benefit from its presence, as its leaves gradually enrich the soil each autumn. It makes a beautiful specimen tree, planted in the middle of a lawn or in a sunny corner of a courtyard or garden, even in a small one. Its leaves serve as food for silkworms. It tolerates pruning very well.

The fruits can be consumed fresh or dried.