Left by the Birds... Mulberry Tree in my Backyard

What a pleasant surprise to find a wild Mulberry tree growing in my backyard. I've seen the tree thrive from a young sprout, to a towering giant, never noticing the yummy berries it produced. It was while I was walking in my backyard that I did a double-take, mistaking a branch for wild blackberries. But blackberries don't grow on trees....

Sure enough, it's Mulberry! Must had been brought over by bird droppings. Just like I'm finding pecan's growing in my flower pots, more than likely from the squirrels. We don't have any pecan trees in our yard.

Now that we have Mulberry, we'll see if the silkworms show up. Another project in itself.

Here we go 'round the mulberry bush,
The mulberry bush, the mulberry bush.
Here we go 'round the mulberry bush,
So early in the morning.

Did you know this song originated in England? Many claim it was the Wakefield Prisoners, who would sing this as they circled the Mulberry tree on the prison ground.

About Mulberry Trees

Mulberry trees are fast-growing deciduous trees that can be found throughout much of Texas. Their sweet berries ripen in late spring and early summer and are enjoyed by both people and wildlife. Birds are especially fond of mulberries and often help spread the seeds to new locations, which is why volunteer mulberry trees frequently appear in unexpected places.

Mulberries can be eaten fresh from the tree or used in jams, jellies, pies, muffins, and other desserts. The berries resemble elongated blackberries, but they grow directly from the branches of a tree rather than on thorny canes.

A Favorite of Wildlife

One reason mulberry trees are so successful is their ability to attract wildlife. Birds, squirrels, and other animals eagerly feed on the fruit. In return, they help distribute the seeds throughout the surrounding area. Many gardeners discover volunteer mulberry trees growing along fence lines, near bird feeders, or in neglected corners of the yard.

Silkworm Connection

Mulberry trees have played an important role in history because their leaves are the primary food source for silkworms. For thousands of years, mulberry trees have been cultivated in Asia to support silk production. Without mulberry leaves, there would be no traditional silk industry.

Finding a wild mulberry tree in the backyard was an unexpected surprise and a reminder of how nature often plants its own garden when birds and wildlife are allowed to do the landscaping.

It's amazing what will grow in one's yard if a certain area is left for the birds.