Mulberry, Red
Morus rubra
Moraceae - Mulberry

Description

Leaves: Alternate; simple; nearly orbicular; 3" to 5" long; deciduous; variable in shape; no lobes or up to 3 to 5 lobes; coarsely serrate margin; acute to acuminate apex; hairy beneath; light yellow fall color; petiole 1/2" to 1" long.

Twigs/buds: Twigs slender; somewhat zigzag; red-brown to green-brown; showing milky sap when cut. No terminal bud; lateral buds ovoid, pointed, 1/4" long, light brown.

Flowers/fruit: Polygamo-dioecious. Flowers small and inconspicuous with no petals. Multiple fruit of small drupes; resembles a blackberry; dark purple or nearly black; 1/2" to 3/4" long; juicy; ripening in June or July.

Bark: Thin; dark brown to orange-brown; scaly and furrowed; bark of roots yellow.

Wood: Sapwood yellow; heartwood yellow-brown; growth rings distinct; ring-porous; rays plainly visible to naked eye; little used but excellent firewood.

General: Native to most of the eastern U.S. Usually found on rich, moist sites, but can stand considerable heat. Shade tolerant.

Landscape Use: Mulberries are good city trees that grow fairly rapidly. They need attention to branch structure and attachment to keep them healthy and well-formed. The broad, round canopy and shiny, bright green leaves are very attractive. Be sure to plant all-male trees if you do not want fruit. Zones 4-9.

Comments & Limitations: Fruit and/or plant part can be nuisances; use fruitless varieties if possible.

Characteristics

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