Morus rubra aka Red Mulberry

Morus rubra, or red mulberry, is a deciduous tree. It belongs to the mulberry family, Moraceae. Its native range runs from southeast Canada through central and eastern America. It grows in rich, moist woods and along sunny roadsides. Garden trees reach about 26–39 feet [8–12 metres] tall. Their spread reaches 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. Some trees reach 60 feet [18.3 metres], beyond the garden range. A short trunk supports a dense, spreading crown.

The bark has a gray-brown base with reddish tones. Long, scaly ridges may peel and curl at their edges. Young shoots start green, then turn brown or reddish brown. Small white pores dot the twigs. Leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. They have toothed edges and often a heart-shaped base. Some leaves lack lobes, while others have deep cuts. New shoots tend to carry more lobed leaves. Their upper faces feel rough, with soft hairs beneath. Dark green leaves turn yellow before falling in autumn.

Small green flowers hang in narrow, catkin-like clusters during spring. Sources place bloom between April and June, depending on location. Male and female flowers usually grow on separate trees. Female trees bear soft fruits that look like blackberries. These change from red to dark purple as they ripen. Birds, squirrels, foxes, and other mammals eat the fruit. People can eat ripe fruit fresh or cook it. It suits pies, jams, jellies, and baked goods. The soft fruit bruises easily and stores poorly.

Grow red mulberry in full sun for its best performance. It also accepts part shade, but needs fertile soil. Keep the soil moist and allow water to drain. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and a wide pH range. Shelter it from cold, dry winds. Sources rate it for USDA zones 5–9 and UK H6. It grows fast and tolerates heat and drought. Prune in late autumn or early winter to limit sap loss. Its wood has served for fences and barrels.

This tree suits informal gardens and areas set aside for wildlife. Fallen fruit can stain paving, cars, and shoes. Seedlings may spread enough to become weeds. Borers, whiteflies, scale, mites, and mealybugs can attack it. Blight, cankers, mildew, leaf scorch, and root rot may occur. Unripe fruit and milky sap can cause stomach upset or hallucinations. Leaf and stem contact can irritate sensitive skin. Ripe fruit is safe to eat.