Morus rubra (Native)

Non-native plants this species can replace:
Common Name
Red mulberry
Plant Form
Medium Trees
Shrubs & Small Trees
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
60.0
Width (ft)
35.0 - 40.0
Growth Rate
Fast
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Photographer: Ashley M Bradford
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: Ashley M Bradford
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: Ashley M Bradford
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Habitat

Well-drained floodplain forests, mesic and dry-mesic upland forests, old fields, and fencerows; typically, but not exclusively, in base-rich soils. Infrequent throughout Virginia

Wildlife value

It is sometimes considered to be a host plant for Red Admiral butterfly. Its fruits are eaten by many birds, especially gray catbirds and northern mockingbirds, foxes, opossums, squirrels, and raccoons

High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife

Additional Notes

Weedy and messy. Red mulberry has become scarcer (especially as a tree) in recent decades and is reported to be disappearing from portions of its range. The cause is still uncertain but a bacterial disease or fungal pathogen is suspected

Poisonous to Humans:
Poison Severity:
Low
Poison Symptoms:

Causes low toxicity if eaten. Hallucinations and stomach upset from unripe fruit and sap

Causes Contact Dermatitis:
Yes
Poison Part:
Sap Juice
Flower Color
Gold/Yellow
Green
Flower Prominence
Reduced
Bloom Time
Spring
Bloom Month
April
May
Fall Color
Gold/Yellow
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Shade
Moisture Requirements
Moist
Average
Soil Texture
Clay
High organic matter
Loamy
Deer Resitant
Yes
Pollinators
Butterfiles
Commercially available
Yes

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