Morus rubra ~ Red Mulberry

Morus rubra ~ Red MulberryRed Mulberry, scientifically known as Morus rubra, is a deciduous tree native to North America. Here's some information about Red Mulberry: Appearance: Red Mulberry trees can grow up to 70 feet (21 meters) tall, but they are often smaller in urban settings. The leaves are alternate, simple, and have a serrated edge. They are typically dark green and can vary in shape, ranging from oval to lobed. The tree produces small, round, and edible fruits that

Red Mulberry, scientifically known as Morus rubra, is a deciduous tree native to North America. Here's some information about Red Mulberry:

1. Appearance: Red Mulberry trees can grow up to 70 feet (21 meters) tall, but they are often smaller in urban settings. The leaves are alternate, simple, and have a serrated edge. They are typically dark green and can vary in shape, ranging from oval to lobed. The tree produces small, round, and edible fruits that are dark purple or black when ripe.

2. Habitat: Red Mulberry trees are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and along streams. They prefer moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.

3. Wildlife Value: The fruits of Red Mulberry trees are a valuable food source for wildlife. Birds, such as robins and cedar waxwings, are particularly fond of the sweet berries. The tree also provides cover and nesting sites for birds and offers habitat for various insects and other small animals.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  Medium Maintenance.  Prune in late fall or winter to prevent bleeding.  Self-seeding.  Borers may be a problem in the South.  Potential issues include bacterial blight, coral spot cankers, leaf scorch, powder mildew, and witches broom.  Watch for scale, mites, and mealybugs.
LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Wildlife Gardens, Shade Tree, Edible Garden, and Container.

COMPANION PLANTS: Solomon's Seal, Autumn Fern, Lilyturf

IMAGES: Famartin, 2017-05-29 14 12 27 Red Mulberry fruit along Kinross Circle in the Chantilly Highland section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, CC BY-SA 4.0, (2) Famartin, 2021-06-02 08 58 52 Red Mulberries along Old Dairy Road in the Franklin Farm section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, CC BY-SA 4.0, (3) Famartin, 2020-04-21 17 07 46 Red Mulberry leaves and flowers within Franklin Farm Park in the Franklin Farm section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, CC BY-SA 4.0, (4) Famartin, 2020-07-25 11 01 07 Red Mulberry leaf in mid-summer along a walking path in the Franklin Farm section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, CC BY-SA 4.0, (5) Famartin, 2020-11-14 10 25 04 A Red Mulberry turning yellow in autumn along Hidden Meadow Drive in the Franklin Farm section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, CC BY-SA 4.0

* As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.