Red Mulberry is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It produces sweet, blackberry-like fruits that ripen in late spring to early summer, serving as an important food source for wildlife and humans alike. The tree’s broad, heart-shaped leaves provide dense shade, and its rough, ridged bark gives it a rugged, textured appearance.
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Growth Habits & Characteristics:
•Height: 30–60 feet
•Spread: 25–40 feet
•Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
•Soil Preferences: Well-drained loamy, sandy, or clay soils; tolerates moist to dry conditions
•Bloom Time: Late spring (April–May)
•Water Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
•Growth Habit: Fast-growing with a spreading, rounded canopy
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Host Insect:
Serves as a host plant for the Mourning Cloak and Red Admiral butterfly caterpillars.
Pollinator Importance:
•Flowers attract various bees and other pollinators.
•Supports a diverse range of insects, which in turn feed birds and other wildlife.
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Companion Plants:
•Juglans nigra (Black Walnut) – Mulberry is tolerant of juglone and can grow near walnut trees.
•Prunus serotina (Black Cherry) – Another important wildlife food source.
•Quercus spp. (Oaks) – Provides additional habitat and supports biodiversity.
•Celtis occidentalis (Hackberry) – Shares similar growing conditions and hosts butterfly larvae.
•Asimina triloba (Pawpaw) – Grows well in similar soil and shade conditions.
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Ecological Importance:
•Wildlife Food Source: Fruits are eaten by songbirds, mammals (foxes, raccoons, opossums), and even reptiles.
•Pollinator Attraction: Flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other insects.
•Bird Habitat: Serves as an essential food source for migratory birds in spring and summer.
•Erosion Control: Deep roots help stabilize soil on slopes and in floodplains.