The white mulberry has been cultivated in Asia and Southern Europe since antiquity. In earlier times the tree played an important part in the breeding of silkworms. It is a medium-sized tree that is occasionally found as a large shrub. The crown is open and shows tangled branching. It can eventually attain a width of more than 5 m. The irregularly shaped leaves are often deeply incised and can sometimes grow to a length of 20 cm. The leaves are a glossy light green and rough to the touch. The monoecious tree has remarkable male and female flowers. The small fruits resemble raspberries and are edible. They have a bland to slightly sweet taste. This is a tree for a sunny, warm, sheltered site. Saplings are sensitive to frost. Likes chalky soils and grows in poor soil.