Mulberry, Red (AA)
At a Glance
Latin Name: Morus rubra
Zones: 4-8
Other common names: Red Mulberry
Mature Height: 10-25′ Fast growing
Soil / Climate: Native to Eastern North America, Red mulberry grows on a variety of moist soils. Seeds are carried great distances by birds so trees may be found on any soil that is not too dry. It grows best in open conditions but is tolerant of shade.
Notes: Self pollinating. Ripe fruit is dark red to purple-black.The fruit is similar in appearance to a blackberry, edible and very sweet with a good flavor. Not all the berries on a tree ripen at once, which means the berries can be harvested over a month’s time in early summer. The fruit is used in pies, tarts, cobblers and raw in a similar way to blackberries.
Wildlife: Berries are chiefly eaten by thrushes, robins, waxwings, vireos, orioles, cardinals, and finches, among others and also enjoyed by mammals such as squirrels, opossums, fox, skunks and raccoons. Deer browse on the twigs and foliage, while beaver consume the bark.
Purchase Size: 2-3 ft.
USDA NRCS Species Information