Berry production is underway on the grassy slope north of Cline Hall. The arboretum's two red mulberry trees are producing tasty black berries, and the branches of the two young trees are still low enough to the ground to make for an easy harvest. These two trees were purchased in the spring of 2013, at the Sabine Soil and Water Conservation District tree sale in Ringgold, Louisiana, and were planted directly in the ground the same season. Both trees are healthy, but one is clearly outshining the other, growing taller and producing more berries. The more successful tree has less competition for sun and water.
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| The more successful of the two trees has less competition, planted away from any big trees and near a good sprinkler. |
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| The root system of this mulberry is competing with an elderly white oak (Quercus alba). |
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| Ripening fruit |
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| The ripe berry resembles a blackberry |
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| Cluster of berries on the more successful tree |
While documenting the progress of these two red mulberries, the arboretum's older mulberry tree was examined. Approximately 10 years ago a mulberry volunteered in the drainage of the arboretum, becoming a very healthy shade tree. This tree is also fruiting, but unlike the specimens shown above, these berries are white. This suggests that our volunteer is a white mulberry (
Morus alba) or a hybrid, which is an invasive non-native species. If further research shows this specimen to be an invasive white mulberry, the tree will be removed.
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| White berries on the volunteer mulberry tree (possibly Morus alba or mulberry hybrid) |
For more information about the
red mulberry consult the following:
United States Department of Agriculture
The Morton Arboretum
Louisiana Plant Identification and Interactive Virtual Tours (LSU AgCenter)
