The Black mulberry of Europe (Morus nigra) is a low, slow-growing tree, with rough leaves, somewhat resembling those of our Red mulberry, but more coarsely serrated, and often found divided into four or five lobes; while the leaves, which are not heart-shaped on our native species, are generally three-lobed. The European mulberry bears a fruit four or five times as large as the American, full of rich, sweet juice. It has long been a favorite in England, and is one of the most healthy and delicious fruits of the season. Glover says: - "There the flushing peach, The apple, citron, almond, pear, and date, Pomegranates, purple mulberry, and fig, From interlacing branches mix their hues And scents, the passengers' delight." LEONID. B. II.
We regret that so excellent a fruit should be so little cultivated here. It succeeds extremely well in the middle states; and as it ripens at the very period in midsummer when fruits are scarcest, there can be no more welcome addition to our pomonal treasures, than its deep purple and luscious berries. According to Loudon, it is a tree of great durability; in proof of which he quotes a specimen at Sion House, 300 years old, which is supposed to have been planted in the 16th century by the botanist Turner.
