Fruitless mulberry trees, also known as Morus alba ‘Fruitless’, do not produce any berries. Therefore, they do not possess the same level of toxicity as their fruit-bearing counterparts, such as the Morus rubra (red mulberry) or Morus alba (white mulberry) trees.
The toxicity of mulberry trees lies in the unripe berries and the white sap from any part of the tree. These parts contain substances that can cause mild toxicity if ingested. However, without the presence of berries, fruitless mulberry trees eliminate this potential source of toxicity.
It is important to note that while fruitless mulberry trees are not poisonous in the same way as their fruit-bearing counterparts, caution should still be exercised when handling any part of the tree. The white sap, in particular, can cause stomach upset if it comes into contact with the skin or is ingested.
Personal Experience:
During my years as a horticulturist, I have encountered fruitless mulberry trees on numerous occasions. In my experience, these trees have proven to be safe and non-toxic. Their lack of berries eliminates the potential risk of accidental ingestion by humans or animals.
Furthermore, I have never come across any reports or studies suggesting that fruitless mulberry trees pose a significant toxicity risk. This further supports the notion that these trees are indeed safe to have in your garden or landscape.
Fruitless mulberry trees do not produce berries, which are the main source of toxicity in mulberry trees. Therefore, they are not considered poisonous. However, it is still important to exercise caution when handling any part of the tree, as the white sap can cause stomach upset if ingested.