Morus sp. 'Illinois Everbearing' (Illinois Everbearing Mulberry)

Morus, commonly known as Mulberry, is a genus of deciduous or occasionally evergreen trees and shrubs in the Moraceae family, native to temperate and subtropical regions of Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The leaves are alternate, usually serrated, and remarkably variable in shape, even on the same tree, ranging from unlobed to deeply lobed. Small, inconspicuous flowers are borne in catkin-like clusters, with male and female flowers occurring on the same or separate plants, depending on the species. The familiar mulberry fruit is actually a multiple fruit formed from an entire female inflorescence, becoming fleshy as it matures. Important species include Morus alba (White Mulberry), traditionally cultivated for silkworm feeding, M. nigra (Black Mulberry), prized for its richly flavored fruits, and M. rubra (Red Mulberry), native to eastern North America.

Morus species generally grow best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil, although many tolerate poorer soils and seasonal drought once established. Many commonly cultivated mulberries are fast-growing trees that respond well to pruning, and selected dwarf or weeping forms are suitable for smaller gardens or large containers. Fruit colors range from white and pink to red and nearly black, depending on species and cultivar; the names White, Red, and Black Mulberry do not reliably indicate fruit color. Cold hardiness varies considerably: commonly cultivated temperate species generally grow in USDA Zones 4-9, while some subtropical species require warmer conditions. Ripe fruits are edible fresh or processed into jams and desserts, but fallen berries can stain paving and attract wildlife.

Morus 'Illinois Everbearing' is a well known mulberry cultivar resulting from a cross between white mulberry (Morus alba) and red mulberry (Morus rubra), combining the hardiness and adaptability of one with the rich fruit flavor of the other. The tree grows vigorously and forms a broad crown that can reach about 20 to 30 ft when mature. Its foliage is also ornamental, with deeply lobed leaves often reminiscent of oak. Some young trees may begin producing fruit very early.

One of the defining features of this cultivar is its long, extended fruiting season. Berries about 1.5 inches long ripen gradually from mid summer into early fall rather than all at once. The fruits are sweet, juicy, and slightly tangy, often regarded among the best tasting mulberries. Trees are hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 10, tolerating temperatures down to about -20F while also performing well in summer heat and relatively poor soils. The cultivar is generally easy to grow, low maintenance, and capable of producing abundant crops once established.