Morus kagayamae - Mullberry

Morus kagayamae, also known as the Plane Tree Mulberry, is a species with large deeply cut leaves that are dark green and turn golden yellow in autumn. This tree has a spreading habit, wider than it is tall when not pruned, and its dense foliage provides significant shade in summer. It is particularly appreciated as a shade tree in hot climates, as it resists drought well. It can be planted near the sea as it tolerates salt spray. In addition to its highly decorative foliage, it produces edible fruits in the form of mulberries, which have a sweet taste. Hardy, it enjoys full sun, or partial shade in hot regions, and grows well in ordinary, deep, and well-drained soil.

Morus kagayamae (syn. Morus bombycis) belongs to the Moraceae family, like fig trees (Ficus), Maclura, and Broussonetia. It is native to Southeast Asia, mainly Japan.

It grows quickly, initially with a slightly rounded habit, then spreading with age, reaching approximately 10m (33ft) wide and 8m (26ft) tall. In hot regions, it is often pruned horizontally, removing any poorly oriented branches to maximise its shade. It should be severely pruned each winter, removing a good portion of the new growth to maintain the main branches.

It has large leaves measuring 15 to 25cm (6 to 10in) long, deeply cut with a strongly acuminate central lobe. They vaguely resemble plane tree leaves, but they are dark green and shiny on top, while the underside is lighter. Highly decorative, they also turn yellow in autumn, and sometimes even at the beginning of winter as they fall late. In April-May, it produces inconspicuous catkins, which then develop into mulberry-like fruits. Starting off red, they turn black and are very sweet. They are appreciated by birds and pollinating insects. However, they can stain tiles or terrace paving when they fall on the ground. Morus kagayamae is moderately hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -12°C (10.4°F), or even -15°C (5°F) for older specimens. However, it is highly resistant to heat and drought once established. It also tolerates severe pruning and is well-suited to urban environments and paved soils, which explains its widespread presence in cities.

The Plane Tree Mulberry is a perfect tree for regions with hot summers, where strong shade is appreciated. It can be planted individually on a lawn in a natural form, without pruning, to enjoy its decorative foliage. Alternatively, it can be incorporated into a mixed border to provide shade for ferns such as Cyrtomium falcatum with its beautiful shiny dark green fronds, which will complement the mulberry leaves. Add some hellebores to enjoy their superb flowering in various colours, and also consider epimedium, a perennial that is not widely known despite its ornamental qualities and ease of cultivation. You will be captivated by the delicate flowers with their surprising shapes and the wide range of available colours.