There is some confusion between mulberries and blackberries because they can look alike and are both very popular to pick. While they might be alike in some ways, there are also plenty of differences between the two. You can now find out what makes these two tasty berries different if you’re interested.
The obvious difference between mulberries and blackberries is that they are from different species. But what does this really mean? You’ll want to know how to tell them apart just by looking at them, how they cook, and how they taste. Youre about to become rich in berry knowledge and this is where your journey begins. We can tell the difference between blackberries and mulberries, whether you want to pick them for food, cook with them, or are just interested in the food that the world has to offer.
Mulberries are fruits that come from trees belonging to the Morus genus. Mulberries are common in temperate regions around the world because these trees can grow well in a wide range of climates. Depending on the type of Morus tree, mulberry fruits can be red, white, or black. Each variety has its unique flavor profile, contributing to the diversity of culinary applications for mulberries.
One of the fascinating aspects of mulberries is their historical significance. They have been grown for hundreds of years, and there is evidence that people in places like China ate them as early as ancient times. Over the years, the popularity of mulberries has spread, and today, they are enjoyed in various cultures globally. Mulberries are versatile in the kitchen and can be consumed in various forms. Fresh mulberries are delicious, with their sweet and sometimes tart flavor. They can be eaten on their own, added to fruit salads, or used as a topping for desserts. Dried mulberries are another popular option, resembling raisins but with a unique taste. It’s also possible to turn mulberries into jams, jellies, and preserves, which keep their sweet flavor and let you enjoy it all year long.
Many gardeners enjoy growing mulberry trees, both for the tasty fruits they produce and the way they look in landscapes. People like mulberry trees because they grow quickly, give gardens shade, and add a touch of natural beauty.
Blackberries are succulent and flavorful berries that belong to the Rubus genus of the Rosaceae family. These berries are native to many places, such as Europe, North America, and Asia. They have a great taste, a deep color, and many health benefits. Blackberries are made up of small drupelets, and each one has a seed inside. When they are fully ripe, they are usually dark purple to black. People like blackberries because they taste sweet and slightly sour, and they can also be used in a lot of different ways in cooking.
In terms of flavor, blackberries are prized for their juiciness and the perfect balance between sweetness and tartness. Their taste can vary slightly depending on the specific variety and ripeness. You can eat blackberries right away, which makes them a great snack on their own or in a fruit salad. A lot of people also use them in jams, jellies, sauces, and desserts like pies, cobblers, and tarts.
Blackberry picking is a popular summer activity in many places because it lets people pick these tasty berries straight from bushes in the wild or on farms. Whether eaten straight from the bush or added to food, blackberries are still a popular fruit that people of all tastes enjoy. They are a great addition to the world of berries and a favorite in both sweet and savory dishes because of how brightly they taste and how many ways they can be used.
When researching berry-producing trees, you’ll often come across blackberries and mulberries. While their juicy berries may look similar, blackberry and mulberry trees have distinct differences.
In this article we’ll explore how blackberry and mulberry trees compare in terms of origins, growth habits ideal conditions, fruit characteristics and care needs. Read on for tips to identify each species and cultivate these fruitful trees.
Origins and Botanical Classifications
To start, let’s look at the origins and scientific family for each:
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Blackberries belong to the rose family (Rosaceae) in the genus Rubus. They are native to Asia, Europe, North and South America.
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Mulberries are part of the mulberry family (Moraceae) in the genus Morus. They originated in central and eastern China.
So while blackberries and mulberries produce juicy aggregate fruits, they actually come from different plant genera and families.
Growth Habits: Bush vs Tree
One of the biggest differences between these plants is their growth forms:
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Blackberries grow on thorny bushes with arching canes. Most blackberry species are low-growing shrubs under 10 feet tall.
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Mulberries grow on trees that can reach 30-80 feet tall with spreading branches. Certain mulberry species can live for hundreds of years.
So blackberries form short, bushy brambles while mulberries become large, sprawling trees.
Ideal Conditions for Growth
When growing these fruits, it helps to know their preferred conditions:
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Blackberries need full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. They thrive in USDA zones 5-10.
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Mulberries prefer moist, deep soil and can handle partial shade. They grow best in USDA zones 5-9.
While both require full sun for ample fruit, mulberries are more flexible with soil type and light exposure.
The Fruit: Shape, Color and Flavor
The fruits display clear differences:
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Blackberry fruits are aggregate, with clusters of small drupelets. They are rounded in shape.
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Mulberry fruits are multiple, with elongated drupes. They have an oblong, cylindrical shape.
While blackberries are always deep purple when ripe, mulberries can be red, black or white depending on variety.
In terms of flavor, blackberries taste sweeter and more robust. Mulberries offer a subtler sweetness with hints of spice.
Harvest Time and Production
The fruits also differ in harvest timing and yields:
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Blackberries bear fruit in summer over a few weeks. Each bush may produce 10-20 pounds per year.
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Mulberries fruit over an extended summer season for up to 3 months. A mature tree can yield 200 pounds annually.
So mulberry trees generally produce more berries over a longer harvest period compared to blackberry bushes.
Care and Maintenance Needs
To get the most out of these fruits, here are key care tips:
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Blackberries need annual pruning of old canes and training of new primocanes. Regular watering and fertilizing is advised.
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Mulberries require little pruning except removing dead branches. Deep watering every 2-4 weeks and occasional organic fertilizer will suffice.
So blackberries need more hands-on care and maintenance overall compared to the more low-maintenance mulberry tree.
Uses for the Fruit and Foliage
Both fruits make tasty jams, juices, pies and snacks. The leaves are also useful:
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Blackberry leaves can be brewed into a beneficial tea.
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Mulberry leaves are used as feed for silkworms and livestock.
The foliage has value as well as the fruit.
Key Takeaways on Blackberries vs. Mulberries
To recap the main differences:
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Blackberries grow on low shrubs while mulberries become tall trees.
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Blackberry fruits are small aggregates, mulberry fruits are elongated drupes.
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Blackberries yield for a few weeks in summer; mulberries bear for months.
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Blackberries need more pruning and care compared to mulberries.
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Blackberry leaves make tasty tea; mulberry leaves feed silkworms.
Hopefully this overview gives you a better understanding of each species. Now you can identify them more easily and choose the right one for your growing conditions and fruit preferences. Both deliver delightfully juicy, flavorful berries perfect for snacking, recipes and even foliage uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a blackberry and a mulberry?
The main differences are that blackberries grow on thorny bushes in the rose family, while mulberries grow on tall trees in the mulberry family. Blackberry fruits are small aggregates, mulberry fruits are elongated drupes. Blackberries yield for a few weeks while mulberries bear for months.
Can you grow blackberries and mulberries together?
You can grow blackberry bushes and mulberry trees together if you have the right growing conditions. Blackberries need full sun while mulberries can handle some shade. Give blackberries well-drained, acidic soil and mulberries moist, deep soil for best results.
Are mulberries invasive?
Mulberry trees can spread aggressively via root suckers and dropped seeds. Their fallen fruit can create a mess. So they have potential to become invasive if not managed properly. Monitor for unwanted sprouts and fruit drop.
What is the best fertilizer for blackberries?
Blackberries thrive with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer or compost applied in early spring and again after harvest. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers that cause excessive foliage growth.
How do you prune blackberry bushes?
After harvest, prune out the floricanes that bore fruit to make room for new primocanes. Train primocanes to a trellis. In spring, prune back weak or wandering primocane shoots to 6-8 buds.
How big do mulberry trees get?
Depending on variety, mulberry trees typically grow 30-80 feet tall with a 30-50 foot spread. Certain types only reach 10 feet while multicordon varieties are kept under 10 feet by pruning.
Are all mulberry leaves edible?
Yes, the leaves of all mulberry tree varieties are edible for humans when young and tender. Older leaves and sap can cause upset stomachs. Avoid picking leaves close to roads due to pollution.
Can blackberries and mulberries grow in pots?
Container growing is possible but challenging. Choose a dwarf blackberry variety in a 10+ gallon pot. For mulberries, use a dwarf type or bonsai prune to limit size. Give pots adequate drainage and water frequently.
Blackberries are easier to buy
You most likely won’t be able to find mulberries at your local grocery store or even at a farmers market. Blackberries, on the other hand, are widely available. You can even get them from Walmart. So, why the difference?.
Well, the main one is likely to do with shelf-life. Blackberries usually stay fresh for a long time and can be shipped over longer distances, which makes it easier to get them to different markets. Mulberries may not be as available in some areas because they are more fragile and go bad faster. They may also be harder to transport without damage, which shortens their shelf life. Most of the time, they only last two to four days after being picked, so most stores can’t carry them.
However, it may also be an issue of supply and demand. Blackberries are grown commercially on a larger scale in many parts of the world because people love them and want them so much. The commercial cultivation of blackberries often results in a more consistent and widespread supply. Mulberries arent as popular, nor as widely grown commercially. The demand for mulberries is lower compared to blackberries, influencing their availability in stores.
You might be able to buy mulberries directly from the grower when they are in season, but you shouldn’t count on it. Learn where mulberry trees are on public land in your area and when to go foraging for them. This is the best way to get mulberries.
Mulberries are generally sweeter than blackberries
Mulberries and blackberries have distinct flavors with subtle differences that contribute to their unique taste profiles. It’s hard to explain how a fruit tastes; the only way to know for sure is to try them both. On the whole, mulberries are sweeter than blackberries.
There are different kinds of mulberries, and each one has a different sweet taste. Some are more honey-like, while others are more balanced with a slight tartness. However, the tartness is especially prominent when they are not fully ripe. Blackberries are still sweet, but this is almost always accompanied by a healthy dose of tartness. The balance between sweetness and tartness can vary among different blackberry varieties. But, overall, theyre notably more tart than mulberries.
So, mulberries have a sweet, mild flavor with hints of sourness, while blackberries have a stronger, more intense flavor with a strong sourness. Which one you like better usually depends on your own personal taste. Some people like the milder sweetness of mulberries, while others like the stronger flavor of blackberries. That doesn’t mean we think one is better or worse than the other; it just means what you like more.
