Texas mulberry (Morus microphylla)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −23.3 °C
Cultivation
Prefers a warm well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position. Formerly cultivated for its edible fruit by the North American Indians. Mulberries have brittle roots and so need to be handled with care when planting them out. Any pruning should only be carried out in the winter when the plant is fully dormant because mulberries bleed badly when cut. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagation
The seed germinates best if given 2 - 3 months cold stratification. Sow the seed as soon as it is ripe if possible, otherwise in February in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in the first spring, though it sometimes takes another 12 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Plant out in spring. A good percentage take, though they sometimes fail to thrive. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 25 - 30cm with a heel of 2 year old wood, autumn or early spring in a cold frame or a shady bed outside. Bury the cuttings to threequarters of their depth. Layering in autumn.
Edible uses
Fruit - raw. Small and dry.
Material uses
The twigs have been split in half lengthways and used to make serviceable baskets. Wood - heavy, hard, elastic, close grained. Used for carpentry.
Habitat
Streamsides, mountain canyons and on dry limestone hills.
Native range
South-western N. America - Texas to Arizona, south to Mexico.