Mulberry Illinois Everbearing 3 Gallon

🌳 Illinois Everbearing Mulberry Overview

The Illinois Everbearing Mulberry is a deciduous fruit tree prized for its sweet, delicious berries and long fruiting period. It’s an excellent choice for home gardens, edible landscapes, and wildlife-friendly yards.

🌱 Origin & Background

• Species: Morus alba × Morus rubra hybrid (white mulberry × red mulberry).

• Developed: Originated in Illinois, USA, hence the name.

• Known for being very hardy and adaptable.

🎨 Appearance

• Tree Size: Medium-sized, typically growing 15–25 feet tall, but can be pruned smaller.

• Leaves: Large, heart-shaped, bright green.

• Fruit: Long, blackberry-like clusters; deep red to dark purple when fully ripe.

🍇 Fruit Characteristics

• Flavor: Sweet and rich, similar to blackberries but with a unique mulberry flavor.

• Size: Medium-sized berries, up to 1 inch long.

• Fruiting Season: Long, often from early summer to early fall (June through September).

🌼 Tree Characteristics

• Growth Habit: Vigorous grower with spreading branches.

• Cold Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–9 — very cold hardy.

• Pollination: Self-fruitful (no other tree needed).

• Soil: Adaptable to many soil types but prefers well-drained soil.

• Drought Tolerance: Moderate once established.

🧁 Best Uses

• Fresh eating: Sweet berries great for snacking.

• Baking: Ideal in pies, cobblers, and jams.

• Juices & smoothies: Adds sweetness and color.

• Wildlife: Birds and pollinators love the fruit.