Russian White Mulberry vs Illini Hardy Blackberry - TreeTime.ca

Russian White Mulberry vs Illini Hardy Blackberry

Morus alba tatarica

Rubus fruticosus Illini Hardy

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Russian White Mulberry
Illini Hardy Blackberry

Russian White Mulberry is a cold hardy and adaptable tree. It is a great choice for the impatient gardener as it reaches its mature height in a short period of time and has an attractive, dense, and rounded form.

Odd looking berries are produced among a backdrop of glossy, deep green foliage. The blackberry-esque berries ripen slowly over the season, ranging in color from white, pink, and purple-violet. While the berries are not well regarded for fresh eating, they have made tasty jams and preserves.

The Illini Hardy Blackberry was developed in Illinois for northern growers, and produces a large, juicy blackberry with medium-sweet flavor. The berries are ready for harvest in midsummer, and go great in preserves.

The Illini Hardy Blackberry, or the Illinois Blackberry, are floricanes, primarily fruiting on second year canes. Each spring cut back all two-year old canes, leaving only the last year’s growth. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn’t require a second plant nearby to set fruit.

Russian White Mulberry Quick Facts

Illini Hardy Blackberry Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium
Maintenance: medium


Flowers: white
Berries: white, tart, nutritious and sweet
Berries: black
Flavor: light sweet taste
Flavor: medium
Harvest: July
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: illinois blackberry