A lush green garden scene with a central leafy tree, a stone path winding through the grass, a white picket fence, and a brick house in the background under a soft blue sky.

Red Mulberry Tree

1-2ft
$45.95
$45.95
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A lush green garden scene with a central leafy tree, a stone path winding through the grass, a white picket fence, and a brick house in the background under a soft blue sky.
  • A lush green garden scene with a central leafy tree, a stone path winding through the grass, a white picket fence, and a brick house in the background under a soft blue sky.
  • Close-up of mulberries on a branch, showing clusters of ripe dark purple-black berries alongside unripe orange-red berries surrounded by green leaves.
  • Plant size guide showing different plant heights with corresponding measurements.
  • Close-up of green heart-shaped leaves with prominent veins against a blurred natural background.
  • A single green tree with a brown trunk stands in a grassy field behind a wire fence under an overcast sky.
  • A lush green garden scene with a central leafy tree, a stone path winding through the grass, a white picket fence, and a brick house in the background under a soft blue sky.
  • Close-up of mulberries on a branch, showing clusters of ripe dark purple-black berries alongside unripe orange-red berries surrounded by green leaves.
  • Plant size guide showing different plant heights with corresponding measurements.
  • Close-up of green heart-shaped leaves with prominent veins against a blurred natural background.
  • A single green tree with a brown trunk stands in a grassy field behind a wire fence under an overcast sky.
Red Mulberry Tree

Red Mulberry Tree

$45.95
$45.95
Size

Morus rubra

The Red Mulberry is a handsome, fast-growing deciduous tree prized for its lush foliage, dense canopy, and delicious, nutrient-rich fruit. Native to eastern and central North America, this rugged tree has a long history of feeding both local wildlife and human foragers, making it a treasured addition to homesteads and native landscapes alike.

In spring, the tree bursts into life with unobtrusive greenish-white catkins that quickly develop into heavy yields of succulent, dark purple-to-black berries closely resembling blackberries. By autumn, its large, often mitten-shaped leaves transition to a warm, buttery yellow before dropping to reveal a striking, sturdy branching structure for the winter months.

The Ecological Footprint

  • Avian Feast: Serves as a premier food source for dozens of resident and migratory bird species that eagerly consume the sweet summer berries.

  • Wildlife Magnet: Mammals ranging from squirrels and raccoons to foxes frequent the dropping fruit, utilizing the tree as a reliable seasonal food station.

  • Pollinator Support: Early spring flowers provide essential nectar and pollen resources for native bees and other beneficial insects waking up for the season.

  • Canopy Provider: Offers dense, cooling shade and protective nesting cover for songbirds during the heat of the summer months.

The Honest Harvest (What to Expect)

  • The Perks: Incredibly fast growth rate, highly adaptable to a wide range of soil and light conditions, and produces massive quantities of sweet, edible fruit with zero artificial maintenance.

  • The Caveats: The heavy fruit drop can create a temporary mess if planted directly over patios, walkways, or driveways; bird droppings may temporarily stain nearby surfaces after feeding on the berries.

Specifications

  • Botanical Name: Morus rubra

  • Common Names: Red Mulberry, American Mulberry

  • Mature Height: 35-50 feet

  • Mature Width: 35-50 feet

  • Growth Rate: Fast (2-3 feet per year)

  • Lifespan: 50-75+ years

  • USDA Zones: 4-9

  • Chill Hours: *

  • Sun Preference: Full sun to partial shade

  • Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-draining loams; highly adaptable

  • Soil pH: Adaptable (6.0-7.5)

  • Water Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once fully established

  • Flower Color: Greenish-white; early spring

  • Fruit Type: Large, sweet, dark purple-black aggregate fruit (resembling blackberries); mid-summer

  • Pollinators: *

  • Growth Habit: Rounded, spreading crown with a short trunk and dense branching

  • Spacing: 30-40 feet apart for proper canopy development

  • Landscape Uses: Fruit orchards, wildlife gardens, shade trees, native naturalizing, homestead planting

  • Maintenance Level: Low (occasional corrective pruning in late winter)

Planting & Care Guide

  • Hydration: Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to help establish an extensive root system, tapering off as the tree matures.

  • Siting: Select a spacious location away from high-traffic walkways or driveways to accommodate the mature spread and falling fruit. Full sun ensures the highest fruit yields.

  • Mulching: Apply a 3-to-4-inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone to suppress competing weeds and retain vital soil moisture, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk.

  • Establishment: Tolerates a wide range of soil types, though it performs best in loose, fertile ground with good drainage. Ensure it receives adequate water during prolonged dry spells.

  • Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring while the tree is fully dormant to remove any crossing, damaged, or dead branches and to shape the canopy.

  • Fertilization: Generally unnecessary in decent soil. If growth appears sluggish, a light application of balanced organic fertilizer or compost around the drip line in early spring will provide a welcome boost.

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