Red Mulberry

Red Mulberry, Morus rubra, is a medium sized, upright spreading to rounded, deciduous tree that typically grows to 35-50’ tall. It is native to rich woods, bottomlands and wood. It typically occurs in woodlands, rocky places, pastures, fields and along roads throughout the state.

Red Mulberry is noted for its lobed leaves, milky sap, reddish-brown bark and edible fruits. Trees are monoecious or dioecious. Ovate to oblong-ovate, toothed, usually dark green leaves have heart-shaped bases. Leaves can be quite variable, however, ranging from un-lobed to deeply lobed and from rough-textured to smooth on the upper surfaces. Lobed leaves are more frequently found on new shoots and un-lobed leaves are more frequently found in tree crowns. Leaves turn yellow in fall.

Unisexual greenish flowers in small catkin-like spikes appear in early spring with male and female flowers usually appearing on separate trees (dioecious). Trees with only male flowers obviously never bear fruit. Fertilized female flowers are followed by sweet blackberry-like edible fruits (to 1” long) that are reddish to dark purple in color. The flowers are cross-pollinated by the wind. Fruits are sweet and juicy and may be eaten off the tree.

Habitats include floodplain woodlands, woodland borders, wooded valleys, limestone glades, and fence rows. Sometimes this tree is found in city parks and other landscaped areas, but it is not often cultivated. Exposure to fire usually kills this tree.

Best grown in rich, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Prune in late fall or winter to avoid bleeding.