Illinois Everbearing Mulberry

Illinois Everbearing is a named mulberry selected for abundant, dark, sweet fruit over an extended summer harvest. Raintree Nursery’s cultivar listing describes it as self-fertile and gives a July–September ripening period; its listing also treats the tree as a grafted selection, so mature size varies with rootstock and training. ## Fruit and garden use The berries can be eaten fresh or used in preserves, and a long harvest window makes the tree useful in a home fruit garden. Protect nearby paving and light-colored surfaces from ripe fruit, and expect birds to visit the crop. Mulberries can stain hardscape when fruit falls. ## Growing conditions Plant in a sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil. Keep the root zone evenly moist while a young tree establishes; mature trees still benefit from water during hot, dry weather while fruit is developing. Give the canopy room to spread and consider access for picking before choosing a location. Raintree lists the cultivar for USDA zone 5 and full sun; site and rootstock affect local performance. ## Maintenance Prune during dormancy to establish a sturdy framework and remove dead or crossing wood. Avoid severe annual pruning once the tree has a useful fruiting structure. Harvest over several weeks as berries darken and soften, and clear fallen fruit where it could stain or attract unwanted wildlife. [Raintree Nursery: Illinois Everbearing Mulberry](https://raintreenursery.com/products/illinois-everbearing-mulberry).