Morus rubra Illinois Everbearing

The 'Illinois Everbearing' hybrid mulberry tree, resulting from a cross between Morus rubra and M. alba, is a fruit tree selected for its productivity, the delicious taste of its large black fruits, and its particularly long harvesting period. This ornamental and fruit-bearing tree is extremely resistant to cold, drought, and diseases. Its fragrant, sweet fruits are delicious fresh or in jams. This variety quickly bears fruit, with the first fruits being harvested after 3 years of cultivation.

Morus rubra 'Illinois Everbearing' belongs to the Moraceae family like all mulberries. This variety is the result of a cross between two botanical species, Morus rubra and Morus alba, carried out in the United States. This deciduous tree reaches between 4.5 and 6 metres in height at maturity, with a width of 4 to 5 metres. Eventually, after many years, its height can reach 10 metres if conditions are optimal and it is never pruned. It has a fast growth rate. This variety has a late bud burst period and flowering for a mulberry tree, which protects it from late spring frosts. Even if the plant freezes, it does not prevent fruiting, it simply delays vegetation, flowering, and fruiting. This hybrid mulberry tree has tender green deciduous foliage, with a leathery texture, which turns yellow in autumn before falling. Its very nectar-rich, white to greenish flowers appear throughout May, in June, and sometimes even in July. They gradually form on the young shoots of the year. The large, cylindrical fruits change from red to almost black when ripe. The earliest ones start to ripen at the end of June and the last ones will be ripe in early autumn: the harvest is spread over more than 3 months. Flowering occurs on the current year's growth, severe pruning at the end of winter allows you to control the height of the tree without compromising fruiting. Its longevity and attractive habit give this 'Illinois Everbearing' hybrid mulberry tree a picturesque character as it ages.

The 'Illinois Everbearing' Mulberry is a self-fertile tree and does not require the presence of another variety to bear fruit. Its fruits contain juicy, very sweet and subtly fragrant pulp. Carried by short peduncles, they resemble blackberries (Rubus fruticosus), but they are much larger and seedless. Caution, these mulberries can have a laxative effect and their pigment can cause stubborn stains. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins B and C, and minerals (iron, calcium, and magnesium), they provide about 50 kcal/100g. Birds are fond of these mulberries.

In the kitchen: The fruits should be carefully harvested when they have reached a black colour at full ripeness, otherwise, they will be too acidic. Eat them soon, as they deteriorate quickly. Freezing is a good option for preserving them. Mulberries are versatile, delicious raw or cooked, ideal for making jellies, jams, syrups, sorbets, pies, and chutneys. For a unique aperitif experience, make a cocktail combining the flavour of black mulberry with the freshness of basil.

The 'Illinois Everbearing' Mulberry is also a beautiful shade tree. It is robust and capable of withstanding heat and drought. It is advisable to avoid planting it too close to the terrace or above a frequently used path, as its fruits tend to cause stubborn stains. With a trunk covered with dark and deeply fissured bark, this mulberry tree has a rustic and refined appearance, distinguishing it as a tree with a strong personality.