The History of Mulberries

Mulberries are part of the family Moraceae and have a long history in the United States and other parts of the world. White mulberries (Morus alba) are native to Central and Eastern China and have long been used in sericulture (silkworm rearing). They were also historically cultivated by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Persians. White mulberry trees were introduced to the United States in an attempt to build a silk industry and later became a symbol of affluence, but quickly fell out of favor and are now considered an invasive species in many parts of the country. Red mulberries (Morus rubra) are native to many parts of North America and have a long history of use by Indigenous Peoples. The Muskogee consumed the berries fresh, while the Iroquois mashed, dried, and preserved them for later use in sauces. The Timucua utilized mulberries (as well as the twigs and leaves of the trees) to make dyes, while the Seminoles used the branches to fashion their bows. The Alabama and Creek Peoples utilized extracts from mulberry tree roots for medicinal purposes, while the Rappahannock used the milky sap as a topical treatment and the Cherokee created a medicinal tea from the bark. Black mulberries (Morus nigra) are native to Southwestern Asia and the Middle East, but have also been cultivated in the United States; these berries are widely considered the most flavorful. Today, mulberries are used primarily to make pies, jams, and other foodstuffs throughout the world, and still play a key role in sericulture, too.