Red Mulberry- Morus rubra

Phonetic: MOR-us ROO-brah

Bare Root 12-18"

Red Mulberry, is a native deciduous tree found throughout the eastern and central United States. It typically grows in rich, moist, well-drained soils but is adaptable to a range of conditions, including loams and sandy substrates. Red mulberry prefers full sun to partial shade, thriving in forest edges, floodplains, and open woodlands. While it can tolerate short periods of drought, it performs best in areas with consistent moisture.

In late spring, Red Mulberry produces small greenish flowers that are wind-pollinated but can also attract some bees and other small insects. By early to midsummer, these give rise to sweet, dark red to nearly black fruits that are highly attractive to wildlife. Over 40 bird species—including orioles, catbirds, and thrushes—feed on the berries, as do mammals such as raccoons, opossums, and squirrels. The tree also serves as a host plant for the larvae of several moths, including the Morus alba–feeding Promethea silkmoth and the Mourning Cloak Butterfly which rely on its leaves as a food source during their caterpillar stage.

In gardens and natural landscapes, red mulberry is valued for its broad ecological benefits and ornamental appeal. It can be used as a shade tree, a fruit-bearing specimen, or as part of wildlife-friendly plantings that support native biodiversity. Its berries provide abundant food for birds and mammals, while its dense canopy offers nesting sites and shelter.

• Hardiness Zone: 4-9
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade 
• Native Region: BONAP Map
• BONAP Map Key Color Guide: Map Color Key
• Flower Color: Yellow, Green
• Bloom Time:  March, April, May, 
• Soil Type: Moist, Medium, Medium Dry
• Mature Plant Size: 30-60'H 30-40'W
• Plant Spacing: 30-40'
• Host Plant: Mourning Cloak butterfly, Promethea silkmoth
• Attracts: Pollinators, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
• Advantages: Salt Tolerant, Poor Soil Tolerant
• Landscape Uses: Pollinator Garden
• Companion Plants: Native Bergamot, Purple Coneflower, Elderberry