Red Mulberry
Morus rubra 
The red mulberry is a medium-sized tree found in every corner of the state. It prefers good soil but can be found on poorer sites. The fruit, which resembles a blackberry, is edible and is consumed by many species of wildlife. The wood is durable and can be used for fence posts.
Identifying Characteristics
- Height
- 45 ft
- Spread
- 40 ft
- Leaves
- alternate, simple, 4" - 7" long, 2" - 5" wide; oval, edges coarsely toothed; often with 2 or 3 lobes; dull dark green and rough above
- Flowers
- male and female flowers on separate trees, tiny flowers crowded in clusters
- Fruit
- 1" long, red or dark purple, sweet and juicy
- Bark
- brown, fissured into scaly ridges
- Associated species
- hackberry, black walnut, Kentucky coffeetree, eastern redbud
- Ideal site conditions
- average soil, partial sun
- Value to man
- wood products, windbreaks, food
- Value to wildlife
- food
- Growth Rate
- fast
- Range
