Mulberry 'Illinois Everbearing'

These berries are about 1 to 1½ inches long, a deep violet-black, and very abundantly borne on compact trees that reach 15 to 18 feet high and 12 to 15 feet wide within a decade or so. (At maturity they can be 30 feet tall, or you can prune them to restrain their growth.) A super anti-oxidant, these nutritious berries are a staple in Europe, but far less commonly seen in American gardens. 'Illinois Everbearing' would like to change that!

'Illinois Everbearing' begins the year with tiny catkins of yellowish-green in early spring. Not highly ornamental, they are the promise of great fruit to come, and remain for several weeks. Berries follow the flowers, ripening as early as the beginning of summer in warm climates, later in cooler. Expect them to continue through the first part of fall.

This Mulberry is very slow-growing, but begins producing quite young -- usually 2 to 3 years after planting. It is self-fertile, so you need only one for a full crop of berries, and it is quite resistant to pests and diseases. Once established in your garden, it is resistant to drought, extreme heat and humidity, and cold. No wonder it has become the hands-down favorite!

Mulberry is an ancient fruiting tree, native to Asia and introduced to England in 1596. Silkworms feed on its leaves, so it has supported an entire industry. You will find these leaves very attractive, by the way, when they turn bright yellow before falling in autumn.

Enjoy this classic selection in full sun to light shade. It makes a fine specimen, but is also quite happy in the border. Adaptable, long-lived, and low maintenance, it is a treasure you will appreciate for many years to come. Zones 4-7.