Mulberry
Morus rubra · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Moraceae
Tree Category
Fruit and Shade Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, adapting well to various temperature ranges and continental climates.
About This Tree
A medium-sized deciduous tree with a rounded, spreading crown, dense branching, and a short trunk. Known for producing sweet, blackberry-like aggregate fruits that attract abundant wildlife.
Leaf Characteristics
Alternate, simple leaves that are often variably shaped, ranging from unlobed oval to mitten-shaped or deeply lobed with 2-3 lobes. Margins are coarsely serrated, and surfaces are somewhat rough above.
Bark Characteristics
Dark brown to gray-brown with scaly ridges and shallow furrows, developing a slightly fibrous and peeling texture on older trunks.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and central North America
Growing Season
Leafs out in mid-spring, flowers in April to May, produces fruit from June to July, and drops leaves in autumn entering winter dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun for optimal fruit production and growth, but tolerates partial shade. Requires moderate watering during establishment and shows good drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Typically reaches a mature height of 30 to 50 feet with an equal or greater spread, growing at a moderate to fast rate with a lifespan of 50 to 75 years.
Special Characteristics
Produces edible, sweet aggregate fruits resembling dark blackberries that are favored by humans and wildlife alike. Exhibits high tolerance to urban pollution and poor soils.
Wildlife & Ecology
Extremely high ecological value; the fruit is a favored food source for a wide variety of birds and small mammals, while the dense foliage provides nesting sites and cover.