Mulberry at the Shakespeare Garden

The mulberry tree holds a prominent position in the Ellis Park Shakespeare Garden. It was one of the original plantings when the Garden was established in 1927 and has developed that old and craggy look of mature mulberry trees. For that reason, this entry is a bit longer and more detailed, as the mulberry tree has an interesting history with regard to the Bard.

Henry Lyte, a 16th century botanist, said of the mulberry tree, “It is called in the fayning of Poetes the wisest of all other trees, for this tree only among all others bringeth forth his leaves after the cold frosts be past.” Although it was considered to be exotic, it had been planted in London since the 14th century. Shakespeare is known to have planted a mulberry at New Place at Stratford-on-Avon. That mulberry became famous when the later owner of New Place, Rev. Gastrell cut the tree down. Presumably, he was weary of having to show it to visitors. As a result of this misdeed, the reverend’s family was forced to flee their home and the attention of angry Brits. An enterprising carpenter, Thomas Sharpe, fashioned snuff boxes from its wood, although too many appeared to reasonably be connected to the actual tree. Today, there remain two mulberry trees, one planted by Dame Peggy Ashcroft in 1969 and one that is thought to be hundreds of years old and is also thought to be on the site of the original tree.

In 1609, King James I ordered that his lieutenants to encourage the planting of white mulberry trees, ostensibly to increase the ability of England to produce thread from the weaving of silkworms. Unfortunately for the King, only white mulberry trees support silkworms, the white mulberry trees did not thrive in England’s climate, and even if they had, all of the trees planted were not the white variety. And, even more unfortunate, mulberry trees often take as long as 10 years to produce fruit, hence, the error was slow to be known.

In Tudor times, the mulberry would often be the “3rd and richest course of the dinner” and the syrup of the berries was thought to treat ulcers and swelling of the tongue. As they moved quickly through the system, the powder was also used for stomach ailments. Not to forget the use in silk production.

There is so much more!

The mulberry is adaptable to many climates and grows quickly, particularly with full sun and soil that is well drained. They are hardy in zones 4 through 9 and like many plants prefer well-drained, but moist soil and full sunlight. That said, they can also survive in dry soil and more shady conditions. Mulberries are particularly popular with wildlife and are easily spread by birds, they are also “self-fertile” needing only one tree to pollinate and produce fruit. The trees produce berries of white, red, or black and are used for a variety of juices, preserves, and tea.