Native Mulberry Plant Care

Native Mulberry (Hedycarya angustifolia) belongs to the Monimiaceae family within the Hedycarya genus. Native Mulberry is native to eastern Australia. Native Mulberry is also known as Australian Mulberry, Wallum, Black Apple.

Native Mulberry displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Native Mulberry produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Native Mulberry every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Native Mulberry thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Native Mulberry in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Hedycarya angustifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Native Mulberry prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Native Mulberry to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Native Mulberry every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Native Mulberry is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Native Mulberry can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Native Mulberry while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Native Mulberry is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Native Mulberry can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to native mulberry plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Native Mulberry is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Native Mulberry grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Native Mulberry is native to eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Native Mulberry as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.