Fruitless White Mulberry (Morus alba 'Fruitless')

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates urban pollution and reflected heat from hardscaped areas

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Watering Water deeply when the top 5–7 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established

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Temperature Hardy to -20°C; tolerates hot summer temperatures up to 35°C with adequate moisture

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Leaf: Alternate, heart-shaped with serrated margins; glossy medium green, turning pale yellow in autumn
Flower: Slender male catkins (2–3 cm long) in early spring; female flowers are sterile and do not develop fruit
Stem/Bark: Young stems are smooth and green; mature bark is brownish-gray with shallow furrows

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Watering

Water regularly during the first 2–3 years of establishment; reduce watering once mature

Fertilization

Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive weak growth

Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench to support foliage health

Pruning

Prune in late winter to shape the canopy and remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches
Thin crowded inner branches to improve air circulation and reduce disease risk
Remove suckers growing from the base to maintain a single trunk form

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Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirms no toxicity to cats; safe for ingestion or contact

Humans: No known toxic effects to humans; foliage and bark are non-irritating

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Culture: Symbolizes longevity in traditional Chinese culture; widely used as a low-maintenance urban shade tree

Usage: Ornamental shade tree; historical use as silkworm food source (foliage)