Morus alba x rubra Illinois Everbearing. This tree is hardy to -20F, which makes it one of the most widely adapted of all mulberries. It sometimes starts producing the first year after planting! It becomes a large shade tree very quickly, growing 3-5ft per year in favorable conditions, the tree reaching 20-30 ft. It bears an abundance of sweet, dark, highly-flavored fruit, 1-1/2 inches long that look like elongated blackberries, and have a delicious and distinctive sweet taste. The berries start to ripen a little later than some other cultivars, and ripen continuously throughout July, August, and into September, hence the Everbearing name. Hardy to USDA Zone: 5