Morus Platanifolia Fruitless Mulberry

Morus Platanifolia is a deciduous shade tree with an umbrella-shaped crown. Treasured for its attractive appearance, this member of the Mulberry family produces no fruit. Not to be confused with Morus Alba Fruitless which is related but not the same cultivar. Suitable for planting en masse for lining pathways, or on its own, as a specimen tree.

Naturally growing with a wide-spreading head that resembles a parasol, Fruitless Mulberry’s most memorable feature is its crown. The lush foliage consists of large, glossy palmate leaves that keep their dark green colour until they drop after the first strong frosts of the season. The dense canopy can provide shade during the hot summer months.

Height and Spread of Morus Platanifolia
Fairly compact even when fully developed, this cultivar has a maximum size of 3 to 5 meters, with a spread of up to 4 metres.

How Hardy Is Morus Platanifolia 
Fully hardy across the United Kingdom, Fruitless Mulberry will survive even if the temperatures drop to 20 degrees below zero. Tolerates urban pollution and, to some extent, salt sprays.

How To Use Morus Platanifolia
As a non-flowering variety, this cultivar will not produce fruit. Although quite tasty, the mulberry fruit is known for the fact it will stain everything it touches. This is why Fruitless Mullberry is an excellent choice for people who appreciate this hardy family of trees, but are not quite so keen on the potential mess they make. Use it for lining pathways or driveways, or grow it stand-alone, as a specimen tree.

Plant this cultivar near a patio to fully appreciate its mushroom-shaped crown and enjoy the shade it provides, or grow in a larger container to add interest to rooftop gardens.

How To Care For Morus Platanifolia
Although robust and hardy, Fruitless Mulberry will appreciate a sheltered spot in the garden, away from drying winds. To ensure your cultivar thrives, plant it in full sun and deep, fertile soil that is moist but well-drained.

The structural appearance of the tree can be misleading, as it gives off the impression that this tree is high maintenance. However, the distinct form of the tree is not a result of extensive trimming and shaping, but rather the true form of the cultivar. Annual pruning is all Fruitless Mulberry needs to stay perfectly healthy and happy. To promote more vigorous growth, cut back the arching branches.

If you are looking for a showy ornamental tree that is easy to maintain, this deciduous parasol tree is an excellent choice. Fruitless Mulberry needs very little care, but offers multiple seasons of interest, whether grown as a specimen or a shade tree.