Red Mulberry
Morus rubra · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Moraceae
Tree Category
Fruit Tree, Shade Tree, Native Tree
Variety / Cultivar
None specified; wild-type species shown
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-9; adaptable to various climates within these regions.
About This Tree
A medium-sized tree with a dense, spreading, rounded crown. It is known for its variable leaf shapes and edible blackberry-like fruit. The growth rate is relatively fast when young, slowing with maturity.
Leaf Characteristics
Alternate arrangement; simple leaves that are often polymorphic (unlobed, 2-lobed, or 3-lobed). They are 3-5 inches long, dark green with a rough, sandpapery upper surface and hairy underside, featuring serrated margins.
Bark Characteristics
Gray-brown to reddish-brown; initially smooth, becoming fissured into long, flat, scaly plates or ridges as the tree ages. Inner bark is yellowish.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and Central North America, from Ontario to Florida and west to Texas.
Growing Season
Bud break in spring, flowering in late spring (April-May), fruit ripening in early-to-mid summer (June-July), and dormancy in winter.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun to partial shade; requires moist, well-drained loamy soils but has moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Typically 35-50 feet in height with a similar spread. Can live up to 75-125 years.
Special Characteristics
Produces sweet, edible fruit used in jellies and pies; high tolerance for urban conditions but can be messy due to falling fruit; notable for its rough leaf texture compared to the invasive White Mulberry.
Wildlife & Ecology
High ecological value; fruit is a major food source for songbirds (tanagers, catbirds), squirrels, and raccoons; serves as a larval host for the Mourning Cloak butterfly.