Morus nigra

Common name: Black mulberry

Description: The black mulberry is one of the most cherished fruiting trees in the British garden — a slow-growing, remarkably long-lived deciduous tree that eventually develops a magnificently gnarled, characterful form. Large, heart-shaped, rough-textured leaves emerge late in spring and turn rich gold in autumn. From late summer the tree bears richly flavoured, dark crimson to near-black fruits with an intense, complex, almost winelike taste that is unmatched by any other fruit tree; Morus nigra has been treasured in British gardens since the Romans first brought it to these shores. It is self-fertile and will fruit as a standalone specimen once established.

Other benefits: exceptional fruit flavour, long-lived garden heirloom, beautiful gnarled character with age, excellent autumn colour, suitable for espalier training, suitable for large containers when young

Wildlife attraction: Ripe fruits are eagerly sought by blackbirds, song thrushes, and starlings; the gnarled bark and dense canopy provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and invertebrates.

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 3–4m x 3–4m (slow-growing; eventual ultimate height 8–10m over many decades)

Position: Full sun in a warm, sheltered spot; ideally against a south- or west-facing wall in cooler areas to maximise fruiting and ripening.

Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline; tolerant of chalk, loam, sand, and clay in well-drained, fertile conditions.

Moisture: Prefers moist, humus-rich, fertile soil; water well for the first three years. Moderately drought-tolerant once fully established.

Winter hardiness: Fully hardy to -20°C (H6); suited to all parts of the UK, though a warm, sheltered position gives the best results.