Mulberry trees were well known in the ancient civilizations of the world. They were famous fruit trees, because of the delicious berry fruits that were abundantly produced by fast growing trees-loaded with huge green leaves that were eaten by livestock, along with the berries, and the leaves were used in the Orient to fatten silkworms for the silk trade. The silk trade was extremely important in the ancient civilizations in exchanges of fabrics, rugs, etc. The caravans of camels that travelled the "Silk Road" from Turkey to China brought world civilizations in contact with many valuable products back and forth to be traded, one of the most desirable and important products was silk. It has been suggested that the generic name of the Mulberry, Morus, has been derived from the Latin word mora (delay), from this tardy expansion of the buds and as the wisest of its fellows, the tree was dedicated by the Ancients to Minerva.

The black mulberry is native to western Asia and has been grown for its fruits in Europe since before Roman times. The tree grows wild in northern Asia Minor, Armenia and the Southern Caucasus region as far as Persia and is now cultivated throughout Europe. It ripens its fruits in England and also as far north as Southern Sweden and Gothland.

The mulberry tree thrives best in a warm moist but well-drained loamy soil in a sheltered sunny position. Shallow soils such as those frequently found on chalk or gravel are not recommended. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Trees are fairly adaptable, but grow well in deep, moist soils. Fertilization is generally unnecessary. Grow in full sun although they appear so, fruits are not true berries but an aggregate. Mildly drought tolerant, but water should be provided during long dry spells. They are usually propagated by seed, which can take several years to bear.

The seed germinates best if given 2 - 3 months cold stratification. Sow the seed as soon as it is ripe if possible, otherwise in February in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in the first spring, though it sometimes takes another 12 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Plant out in spring. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 25 - 30cm with a heel of 2 year old wood, autumn or early spring in a cold frame or a shady bed outside. Bury the cuttings to three quarters of their depth. It is said that cuttings of older wood up to 2.5 metres long can be readily made to strike. The cuttings are taken in February and planted 30cm deep in a shady sheltered position outdoors. The stem is wrapped in moss to prevent water loss by transpiration, with only the top few buds not being covered. Black mulberry fruits are more difficult to pick. As the berries are squeezed to pull them loose, they tend to collapse, staining the hands (and clothing) with blood red juice. Unwashed the berries will keep several days in a refrigerator in a covered container.

The flowers are held on short, green, pendulous, nondescript catkins that appear in the axils of the current season’s growth and on spur on older wood and they are mostly in bloom from May through June.

Mulberries are generally free of pests and diseases, although cankers and dieback can occur. In some areas "popcorn disease" is an occasional problem, in which fruits swell to resemble popped corn. M. Alba/M. rubra hybrids are particularly prone to this condition. The disease carries on from one season to the next, so collecting and burning infected fruits help control it. The ripe fruit is very attractive to birds, but there is usually enough fruit left over for harvesting.

Berries, leaves, twigs and the root bark are the most commonly used parts of the mulberry tree for its commercial and medicinal purposes.