Silk Hope Mulberry

Morus alba x rubra ‘Silk Hope’

Since mulberry leaves (from the imported M. alba variety only) are the sole food source of the silkworm, some American trees date to the early 1800’s, when North Carolina was part of a thriving silk industry – which, unfortunately, was soon eclipsed by foreign competition. Silk Hope, a chance wild cross discovered by A. J. Bullard, boasts the historic pedigree of M. alba crossed with our native M. rubra, and thrives better than most in the heat and humidity of the South. It bears 1½ inch long, sweet, black fruit that ripens for two months in early summer.

USDA Zone: 6-10

Grow Height: 20′

Sun: Full Sun

Ripening Time: June-August

Pollination: Self-Fertile

Click here to read our Mulberry Growing Guide