Mulberry

Mulberry

A mulberry in the parking strip next to the street — the large tree closest to the driveway (don't confuse it with the Harlequin Glorybower next to the utility pole, whose berries are probably poisonous). The berries are white to pale lilac, raspberry-like in shape and size, with a very mild flavor and fragrance; the tree has not been treated with pesticides or other chemicals for at least 15 years. It produces heavily right around the start of July, with fruit falling on the street, sidewalk and parking strip. Fallen fruit and ripe fruit are free to harvest — ripe berries are darker lilac and fall easily into your hand.