Blackberry Trees vs Mulberry Trees: Key Differences in Growth, Fruit, and Care

Blackberry and mulberry trees both produce sweet, flavorful berries that are delicious in pies, jams, and snacks. However, these two fruit-bearing trees have some notable differences when it comes to their origins, ideal growing conditions, foliage, and fruit characteristics.

In this article, we’ll explore how blackberry trees and mulberry trees compare in terms of:

• Origins and family
• Growth habits
• Ideal climate and care
• Leaf shape and color
• Flower appearance
• Fruit shape, color and uses
• Harvest season and yield

Understanding the unique features of each species will help you identify them, select the right one for your landscape, and take proper care of them for abundant fruit production.

Origins and Botanical Family

Blackberry and mulberry trees originated on different continents and belong to different plant families:

• Blackberries are part of the rose family (Rosaceae) in the genus Rubus. They are native to Europe, Asia and North America.

• Mulberries belong to the moraceae family in the genus Morus They originated in central and eastern China,

So while both trees produce aggregate fruits that look similar, blackberries and mulberries are not closely related botanically.

Growth Habits: Bush vs. Tree

One major difference between blackberries and mulberries is their growth form:

• Blackberries grow on thorny bushes with arching canes. They form dense brambles 3-10 feet tall.

• Mulberries grow on deciduous trees that can reach 30-80 feet in height with wide, spreading branches.

So blackberries stay short and bushy while mulberry trees become large and sprawling

Ideal Climate and Care

The ideal growing conditions differ slightly between these fruit trees:

• Blackberries prefer full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. They thrive best in USDA zones 5-10.

• Mulberries tolerate partial shade and moist, deep soil. They grow well in USDA zones 5-9.

• Blackberries need annual pruning for maximum fruit production. Mulberries only require occasional pruning.

• Mulberries are more drought tolerant once established. Blackberries need regular irrigation.

So mulberries are lower maintenance overall, though blackberries can flourish with attentive care.

Leaf Shape and Color

You can distinguish the trees by their foliage:

• Blackberry leaves are oval shaped with toothed edges. They are bright green on top and pale underneath.

• Mulberry leaves are heart-shaped with serrated edges. They are shiny green above and downy below.

So mulberry foliage is more lobed and textured compared to blackberry leaves.

Flower Appearance

The flowers offer clues to identification as well:

• Blackberry blooms are small with five white petals. They form cluster loose clusters.

• Mulberry flowers are catkin-like, with tight green clusters that lack petals. They are less showy than blackberry blooms.

So blackberry flowers are more visually striking. Mulberry blooms are subtle.

Fruit Shape, Color and Uses

Now let’s explore the berries themselves:

• Blackberry fruits are rounded aggregates of small, juicy drupelets. They turn glossy black when ripe.

• Mulberry fruits are cylindrical with multiple drupelets. They vary from white to red to blackish-purple.

• Blackberries have a robust, sweet-tart flavor perfect for pies and jams.

• Mulberries are milder in flavor with hints of spice. They work well in juices, teas and wines.

So while the berries seem similar, their shape, color range and uses differ.

Harvest Season and Yield

The fruits also vary in harvest period and productivity:

• Blackberries ripen from June to August for 1-3 weeks per bush. Each plant may yield 10-20 pounds.

• Mulberries fruit from late spring through summer for up to 3 months per tree. Mature trees can produce over 200 pounds annually.

So mulberry trees generally bear fruit over a longer period and have higher yields.

Key Differences Summary

To recap, here are the major points that distinguish blackberry trees from mulberry trees:

• Blackberries are in the rose family, mulberries are in the moraceae family.

• Blackberries are shrubs under 10 feet tall; mulberries become trees over 30 feet tall.

• Blackberries need full sun and well-drained soil; mulberries also tolerate partial shade and moist soil.

• Blackberry leaves are oval with toothed edges; mulberry leaves are lobed and heart-shaped.

• Blackberry flowers have showy white petals; mulberry catkins lack petals.

• Blackberry fruits are rounded; mulberry fruits are long and cylindrical.

• Blackberries have a sweet-tart taste perfect for pies; mulberries are milder for juices and wines.

• Blackberries yield for 1-3 summer weeks; mulberries bear for up to 3 months.

As you can see, while both are tasty fruits, blackberry and mulberry trees have notable differences. Now you can tell them apart and choose the one that best fits your landscape and fruit preferences. Proper planting and care will reward you with abundant sweet berries for many summers to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you grow blackberries and mulberries in the same garden?

Yes, you can grow blackberry bushes and mulberry trees together in one garden space. Ensure the blackberries get full sun and well-drained soil. Position the mulberries where they’ll have partial shade and moisture-retentive soil. Add organic compost and use drip irrigation to keep both plants happy and productive.

What is the best way to use mulberries?

Mulberries are quite versatile. Enjoy them fresh or use them in pies, jams, juices, wines, and teas. Dry the berries for a healthy snack. The young leaves are also edible and make a nutritious addition to salads. Silkworms will feed on the mature mulberry leaves as well.

How do you prune blackberry bushes?

After harvest, prune out the floricanes that have borne fruit since they will die. Trim back the tip of each new primocane to encourage branching. In spring, prune back weak or wandering primocane shoots to 6-8 buds. Remove any diseased or damaged canes.

Why are there no berries on my blackberry bush?

If a blackberry bush lacks berries, it’s likely due to growing conditions or insufficient pollination. Ensure the bush gets full sun and prune regularly. Plant another variety nearby for better cross-pollination. Protect buds from late frosts. Extreme summer heat and drought can also inhibit fruit set.

What is the best way to plant a mulberry tree?

Dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball of the sapling. Partially backfill the hole and place the tree atop the soil, spreading its roots out. Finish filling the hole, water deeply, and tamp down the soil. Stake the trunk for stability for 1-2 years. Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base.

How long do mulberry trees live?

With proper care and growing conditions, a mulberry tree can live over 100 years. Some venerable old specimens in Asia are estimated to be hundreds of years old. To maximize lifespan, choose disease-resistant varieties, prune judiciously, water during drought, and protect roots from damage.