Illinois Everbearing Mulberry

Plant Name: Illinois Everbearing Mulberry
Scientific Name: Morus alba × Morus rubra ‘Illinois Everbearing’ — Illinois Everbearing Mulberry, Illinois Everbearing, Everbearing Mulberry
Mature Height: 30–50 ft
Mature Spread: 20–40 ft
Growth Rate: Fast (3–5 ft/year)
Sun: Full sun
Water: Moderate; ~10–20 gal/week while establishing, then ~15–25 gal every 2–3 weeks during prolonged dry periods
Foliage: Medium to dark green, deciduous
Fall Color: Yellow to yellow-green
Flower Color: Greenish-white, inconspicuous
Bloom Time: Spring
Fruit: 1–1¼ in. long, blackberry-like fruit; dark red to purple-black when ripe; sweet and juicy
Harvest Time: Summer through early fall
Hardiness Zones: 5–8 (−20°F to 20°F)
Features: Extremely fast-growing shade tree; produces abundant edible fruit; long harvest season; drought tolerant once established
Additional Facts: Can begin producing fruit as early as the first year after planting. Fruit ripens continuously through summer and early fall rather than all at once. Trees can live for more than 100 years. The cultivar can become very large quickly, so allow plenty of space.