Red Mulberry

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Eastern and central USA

Growth Habits: Small deciduous tree, with a short trunk that branches low; rough, reddish-brown bark with long ridges; milky sap; alternate, simple, papery, almost orbicular leaves, 3 to 5 inches long (7-12 cm), with up to 3 lobes, varying in shape from leaf to leaf, on the same tree

Watering Needs: Regular water

Propagation: Seeds, grafting of named varieties, cuttings in mid-summer are possible but difficult

Propagation: Cutting or occasionally seed, grafting/budding

• by hardwood secondary cuttings, in spring. Apply IBA Quick Dip 12000 PPM. Use intermittent mist. It could be propagated by root cuttings in spring..
• by 'T' grafts, in early spring.
• by seeds, in spring. The seeds can be harvested in summer. The seeds need stratify 40F 2-3mo..

Morus rubra, Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 1: 631. Courtesy of Kentucky Native Plant Society.

The Red Mulberry is similar to the common white mulberry, but the top side of the leaves is rough.

Blooming Habits:
The red mulberry is normally dioecious, small, green, male flowers, on male trees, are hanging catkins, 1 to 2 inches long (2.5-5 cm). The female tree, also bears catkins, 1 inch long (2.5 cm).

Fruiting Habits:
The fruit looks like blackberries, cylindrical, 1 to 1.2 inches long (2.5-3 cm), cluster of drupes. They come in mid to late summer. They are sweeter and more flavorful than the fruit of the white mulberry.