I got this mulberry from a lady on Craigslist several years ago. When I asked her the variety she said Persian. It usually breaks too early and gets bit back by the frost, losing new tips and fruit. This year was better for it. The fruits only get about an inch long and are very sweet.
Can someone tell by the pictures if this is indeed a Persian? It’s a keeper either way, just curious. Thanks
1 Like
if it really is from iran, then likely a persian morus alba, but defnitely not a persian morus nigra.
2 Likes
Agree!
2 Likes
Thanks!
I’d have to agree with jujubemulberry and chriso, but would be happy to do microscopic evaluation of leaf nuclei size if desired. Way to early for nigra fruit…plus your picture shows rather long fruit stems…nigra fruit tends to hug the stem, being quite short. Also, nigra leaves are inclined to cup upwards from the center vein to the leaf margin.
The rather finely serrated leaf margin and the single fruit spacing (as opposed to fruits appearing in bunches) gives me the impression that it has a lot of Morus rubra in its genetics. Your pictures suggest that the underside of the leaf is “hairy” (trichomes), which is another feature of Morus rubra. But, these are just my impressions based on your pictures. You can also examine the stem and trunk bark…Rubras have a rather dark bark with a hint of a reddish hue (albas are a lighter tan).
But don’t be disheartened. Morus nigras in the Southeast are a real pain in the neck, requiring much care to keep alive and healthy. Nigra fruit sparsely for many years, and fruit in very late spring to early summer when insects problems will be at their peak. Early fruiting mulberries have the advantage of avoiding the invasion of thrips, fruit flies, and other insects (the downside is facing late freezes on some years, so it might be good to have a back-up mulberry plant that buds out a little later).
2 Likes
Wow, thanks for the information. No need for the microscope. My interest is a productive plant with dual uses such as animal fodder, so it sounds to me that a true nigra may not be the one I need anyway, either way mulberry is an awesome plant. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
1 Like
As one of those not inclined towards mulberries…ID-weed!
Sorry, couldn’t help myself. 
1 Like