MORUS RUBRA / RED MULBERRY

MORUS RUBRA / RED MULBERRY

A Native Tree with Edible Fruit and Wildlife Value

Morus rubra, commonly known as Red Mulberry, is a native deciduous tree valued for its fast growth, glossy green leaves, and sweet, edible berries that attract a variety of wildlife. Thriving in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soils, Red Mulberry adds ecological, ornamental, and culinary value to naturalized landscapes, woodland edges, and large garden settings.

Why Choose Red Mulberry?

Wildlife Friendly: Produces sweet berries eaten by birds, mammals, and pollinators.
Edible Fruit: Berries are sweet, flavorful, and can be harvested for jams, desserts, and fresh eating.
Fast Growing Shade Tree: Provides rapid canopy and seasonal shade.
Native & Hardy: Supports local ecosystems and naturalized plantings.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Medium to dark green leaves turning yellow in fall.
Flower/Seed Color: Small, inconspicuous flowers in spring; ripening dark purple berries in summer.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 30–50 feet tall and 25–40 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 4–9.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soils; tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 30–50 feet tall, 25–40 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright, spreading deciduous tree.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–9.
Flowering & Fruiting: Spring flowers followed by sweet edible berries in summer.
Fall Interest: Yellow foliage adds seasonal color.

Ideal Uses:

Wildlife Gardens: Provides food and shelter for birds and mammals.
Naturalized Landscapes & Woodlands: Excellent for woodland edges and restoration projects.
Edible Landscapes: Berries can be harvested for culinary use.
Shade Tree for Large Spaces: Offers rapid growth and broad canopy.

Red Mulberry is a valuable and versatile native tree. Its edible fruit, wildlife benefits, and fast growth make it an excellent choice for naturalized landscapes, woodland edges, and large gardens.