Do Mulberries Grow on Trees or Bushes: The Truth About Their Growth Habits

Mulberries thrive on woody plants called mulberry trees, which botanically qualify as trees due to their height and single-trunk growth pattern. 🌳 However, some cultivated varieties—like the 'Illinois Everbearing'—stay under 10 feet tall, making them look more like large shrubs.

The key difference lies in their stems: true mulberry trees develop thick, woody trunks, while pruned or dwarf types may sprout multiple slender stems resembling bushes. This flexibility makes them adaptable to both large landscapes and small urban gardens.

For home growers, choosing the right variety matters. Dwarf mulberries offer the convenience of bush-like growth without sacrificing fruit production, while standard trees provide shade and classic ornamental appeal. Pruning young trees early can also help control their shape, blending the best of both worlds.

Mulberry tree vs. bush: botanical classification explained

Mulberries belong to the Morus genus, which is botanically classified as trees because of their growth habits. The defining feature is their stem diameter—true mulberry trees develop trunks that exceed 2 inches in diameter at maturity, a key threshold that separates them from shrubs.

Their height typically ranges from 20-30 feet for standard varieties, with some reaching 40 feet under ideal conditions, while their layered, spreading branches create a classic tree canopy.

What sets mulberries apart from shrubs is their single-trunk structure when young, though they often develop multiple trunks as they age. This growth pattern contrasts with shrubs, which usually have several stems from the base.

The bark texture also differs—mulberry trees develop rough, furrowed bark as they mature, while shrubs maintain smoother stems. 🌿 For example, the white mulberry (Morus alba) grows as a tree, while its red mulberry cousin (Morus rubra) can develop a more shrub-like appearance in dense forests due to crowding.

The confusion arises with dwarf varieties like 'Illinois Everbearing', which stay under 10 feet tall but still qualify as trees because they maintain woody trunks. These smaller types are often pruned to resemble bushes, but their internal structure remains tree-like.

This adaptability makes them versatile for both large landscapes and small gardens, where space is limited.

Botanists use three key criteria to classify plants as trees versus shrubs:

• Height: Trees exceed 6 meters (20 feet) at maturity
• Trunk diameter: Trees develop trunks ≥ 2 inches in diameter
• Lifespan: Trees typically live decades longer than shrubs

Interestingly, mulberry trees exhibit layering—a natural propagation method where branches touch the ground and develop roots.

This creates a multi-stemmed appearance that can mimic shrubs, especially in wild settings. 🌱 In cultivated gardens, however, growers often remove these layers to maintain a single-trunk tree structure, which improves fruit production and aesthetic appeal.

The wood itself provides another clue: mulberry wood is hard and dense, similar to oak, with a specific gravity of 0.65-0.75. This density supports taller growth and distinguishes it from lighter shrub wood.

Understanding these botanical details helps gardeners select the right mulberry type for their space while appreciating the plant's natural growth versatility.

Best mulberry varieties for small gardens and landscapes

If you're working with limited space but still want a productive mulberry plant, the 'Illinois Everbearing' variety is my top recommendation.

This compact type grows just 8-10 feet tall and produces abundant fruit twice per season—once in early summer and again in fall. 🌿 Its natural growth habit makes it perfect for small backyards or urban gardens where full-sized trees would be impractical.

For even smaller spaces, consider 'Dwarf Mulberry' varieties that stay under 6 feet tall while maintaining their tree-like structure.

When planting, leave at least 10 feet of space between mulberry trees to allow for their eventual spread, even with dwarf varieties. The roots can extend surprisingly far, so avoid planting near foundations or sidewalks.

For a true bush-like appearance, prune young trees annually in late winter to encourage multiple stems and control height. Focus on removing one-third of the oldest branches each year to maintain vigor while shaping the plant.

Another excellent option is the 'White Mulberry' (Morus alba), which naturally grows as a medium-sized tree but can be pruned to resemble a large shrub. This variety is particularly cold-hardy, thriving in zones 4-9, and produces sweet, white berries that attract birds.

For a decorative touch, try the 'Red Mulberry' (Morus rubra), which develops striking red foliage in fall and produces deep purple berries that ripen in late summer.

Pro tip: If you want to encourage bush-like growth, plant multiple young trees close together (about 3-4 feet apart) and allow them to naturally intertwine. Over time, their branches will merge, creating a dense, shrub-like hedge that still produces fruit.

Just be prepared for more frequent pruning to maintain the desired shape and prevent overcrowding.

For container growing, select a dwarf variety and use a large pot with drainage holes (at least 24 inches wide). Place the container in full sun and water deeply 2-3 times per week during the growing season.

Mulberries in containers will need regular pruning to control size and may produce slightly smaller fruit, but they're ideal for patios or balconies where space is extremely limited.