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.