Description
Maple Leaf Mulberry is a distinctive mulberry selection grown first and foremost for its foliage. The leaves are deeply lobed and strongly resemble maple leaves, giving the tree a dramatic, sculptural appearance that stands out in the landscape.
Unlike fruit-first mulberries such as Illinois Everbearing or Kokuso, Maple Leaf Mulberry is best thought of as an ornamental mulberry with edible fruit as a secondary feature. It does produce dark, sweet mulberries, but yields are typically moderate and not the primary reason growers choose this variety.
The tree grows vigorously and responds well to pruning, allowing it to be maintained at a manageable size for home landscapes. Its unusual leaf shape remains the defining feature throughout the growing season, making it a conversation piece even when not in fruit.
Overview
- Deeply lobed leaves with a maple-like appearance
- Ornamental mulberry with secondary fruiting
- Dark, sweet berries produced in light to moderate quantities
- Vigorous growth with good response to pruning
- Distinctive foliage sets it apart from fruit-first mulberries
Growing Details
Latin Name: Morus alba ‘Maple Leaf’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA Zone 5–9
Rootstock: Russian mulberry (Morus alba tatarica)
Bearing Age: 1–3 years
Size at Maturity: Typically 15–20 ft tall and wide with pruning and training
Flowering: Spring; inconspicuous catkins (not showy)
Ripening Time: Early to mid-summer; timing varies by climate
Pollination: Self-fertile
Pests & Diseases: Generally low-maintenance with few serious issues
Yield: Light to moderate
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Maple Leaf Mulberry is chosen for its foliage, not its fruit. If your goal is maximum berry production, a fruit-forward mulberry is a better choice; if you want a visually striking tree that also happens to fruit, this one shines.
- Regional Insight: Adaptable across a wide range of temperate climates; foliage character is consistent regardless of region, while fruiting levels vary with heat and growing conditions.
- Fruit is best harvested when fully dark and soft.
- Expect staining from dropped fruit if planted over hardscape.
- Explore more mulberries in our collection: Mulberry Trees
