Red Mulberry: A Native Shade Tree That Feeds Wildlife and Your Soul
If you’re looking for a native tree that combines excellent shade with incredible wildlife value, let me introduce you to the red mulberry (Morus rubra). This underappreciated native gem has been quietly supporting North American ecosystems for centuries, and it’s time more gardeners discovered its many charms.
What Makes Red Mulberry Special?
Red mulberry is a perennial tree that can reach impressive heights of up to 70 feet at maturity, though you’ll typically see them around 45 feet after 20 years of growth. With its single trunk and rounded crown, this moderate-growing tree develops into an excellent shade provider with dense, heart-shaped leaves that create a lovely canopy.
The tree gets its name from its dark purple fruits, which are not only edible for humans but absolutely beloved by wildlife. Don’t expect a showy spring display though – the small green flowers are quite inconspicuous and wind-pollinated, blooming in early spring before the leaves fully emerge.
Where Red Mulberry Calls Home
This tree is a true North American native, naturally found from southeastern Canada down through the eastern United States. Its range extends from the Atlantic coast west to eastern Kansas, Nebraska, and parts of Texas, covering states from Maine to Florida and everywhere in between, including Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Why Wildlife (and You) Will Love It
Here’s where red mulberry really shines – its wildlife benefits are outstanding. According to research, this tree provides:
- 10-25% of the diet for small mammals like squirrels and chipmunks
- 10-25% of the diet for many bird species
- 5-10% of the diet for larger animals
- Occasional cover for both small mammals and birds
The dark purple fruits ripen from spring through summer, providing a long season of food when many animals are raising their young. And yes, humans can enjoy them too – they taste similar to blackberries with a sweet, slightly tart flavor.
Perfect Spots for Red Mulberry
Red mulberry is quite adaptable when it comes to growing conditions, making it suitable for various landscape situations:
- Large residential properties: Excellent as a specimen shade tree
- Naturalized areas: Perfect for wildlife gardens and natural landscaping
- Parks and public spaces: Great for areas where wildlife habitat is desired
- Restoration projects: Valuable for ecosystem restoration efforts
The tree thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-8, handling winter temperatures as low as -33°F. It’s classified as facultative upland, meaning it usually grows in non-wetland areas but can tolerate occasional wet conditions.
Growing Red Mulberry Successfully
One of the best things about red mulberry is how accommodating it is. Here’s what you need to know:
Soil Requirements: This tree is remarkably adaptable, growing well in coarse, medium, or fine-textured soils. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.0-7.0) and has low fertility requirements, making it perfect for challenging sites.
Sun and Shade: While red mulberry is shade tolerant, it performs best with at least partial sun. Its moderate foliage porosity in summer provides excellent filtered shade.
Water Needs: Once established, red mulberry has medium drought tolerance and medium water requirements. It needs at least 35 inches of annual precipitation but can handle up to 60 inches.
Planting Tips: Red mulberry is routinely available from native plant nurseries and can be propagated by seed, cuttings, bare root, or container plants. Seeds require cold stratification, so fall planting works well. Plant 170-600 trees per acre if you’re doing larger restoration work.
What to Expect
Your red mulberry will grow at a moderate pace, developing its characteristic rounded shape over time. The tree has good resprout ability if damaged and can even be coppiced if needed. In fall, the medium-textured foliage turns yellow before dropping, and the tree’s winter silhouette reveals its attractive branching structure.
The fruits appear from spring through summer, and you’ll quickly notice increased bird and small mammal activity around your tree. Just be prepared for some fruit drop – it’s part of the natural cycle that makes this tree so valuable to wildlife.
A Few Considerations
Red mulberry isn’t the right choice for every garden. The fruit drop can be messy, so avoid planting directly over patios, walkways, or cars. The tree also has low fire tolerance and isn’t suitable for areas prone to frequent fires. Additionally, while the tree provides excellent summer shade, remember it will be bare in winter.
The Bottom Line
If you have the space and want to support native wildlife while gaining an excellent shade tree, red mulberry deserves serious consideration. It’s a low-maintenance native that provides years of ecological benefits while asking very little in return. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about growing a tree that’s been part of North American landscapes for millennia.
So why not give this native treasure a try? Your local birds, mammals, and future generations will thank you for it.
