Illinois Everbearing Mulberry Tree

Description

The Illinois Everbearing Mulberry is one of the very best fruiting mulberries for home growers. It’s famous for its long harvest season, producing fruit for 6–8 weeks straight — much longer than most mulberries. The berries are dark purple, almost black when ripe, and look like extra-long blackberries. You’ll get a small starter plant similar to the second picture with the roots wrapped damp.

🍬 Flavor Profile

Sweet with a hint of tang, similar to blackberry but less seedy.

Juicy, rich, and excellent for fresh eating right off the tree.

Perfect for jams, jellies, pies, and even wine-making.

🌱 Growth & Care

Cold Hardy: Grows well in zones 4–9, surviving winter temperatures down to -25°F.

Heat Tolerant: Thrives in hot summers too, making it adaptable across much of the U.S.

Soil Needs: Prefers well-drained soil but is very adaptable.

Watering: Once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant. Water young trees regularly until strong.

Pruning: Easy to prune to keep smaller (10–15 ft) if you want to control size.

🌟 Why Grow Illinois Mulberry?

Extended harvest — weeks of continuous fruit.

Cold hardy AND heat tolerant, making it reliable in many climates.

Attracts birds, pollinators, and provides great shade.

Fruit is delicious and highly nutritious (packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals).

📏 Mature Tree Details

Height: 20–30 ft (can be pruned smaller)

Spread: 15–20 ft

Growth Rate: Fast — expect 2–3 ft of new growth each year

✅ Pro Fig’s Growing Tip

If you want easier harvests, keep your Illinois Mulberry pruned down to a smaller size. It responds well to pruning and will still produce heavily without becoming a giant shade tree.