Mulberry trees are fast growing with aggressive roots that can lift sidewalks and clog drains, making them a less-than-desirable choice for an ornamental specimen. However, those that bear fruit are worth the effort to incorporate into your landscape; just be sure to install it in the proper place.Mulberry trees are heavy bearers, which means you’ll have more fruit than you can use and will be able to share with neighbors and friends. If you’re a backyard birder, you’ll attract a host of fruit-loving birds like bluebirds, orioles, tanagers, and warblers. Some are steadfast; the red mulberry can survive up to 75 years, while the black mulberry can live and bear fruit for hundreds of years.
Some mulberry species are easy to grow and even do well in drought conditions, which makes them great for the hot, dry South. They grow best in zones 5-9. Canton is in zone 7B.
The white mulberry was originally imported from China for the failed silkworm industry. Fruiting varieties produce creamy white, pink, red, or dark purple berries. It prefers full sun for heavy fruit bearing. The tree isn’t fussy about the type of soil, thriving in everything from rich to poor soils as well as sandy, clay, or even rocky soils. Soil acidity can range from acidic to alkaline. It is somewhat drought tolerant but prefers moist, well-drained soil.
In the early days of Canton’s history, the city took a chance on silk, but eventually turned its attention to denim instead. Through that silk endeavor, and with the importing of mulberry trees, there’s one remaining tree by the mill. It’s gnarly, and it appears to be one of the weeping varieties. At the time of this writing, it was heavily laden with fruit. Birds were flitting in the nearby trees and could be heard chattering, seemingly waiting for “intruders” to leave, so they could get back to their feast.
It’s a miracle that this lone mulberry tree has survived through the ages, and the exact history of this specimen is a mystery to many, including me. I’m searching for more answers…to be continued…
to your business!