Fruits

Morus rubra

Red mulberry

A native mulberry tree with edible, dark red-to-purple summer fruit. Its berries feed birds and other wildlife as well as people, so allow for fruit drop.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Mature size: 25–60 ft. tall × 35–40 ft. wide
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA zones 4–9

Sizes & prices

#7$149.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Pollinators & wildlife

Birds: Fruit provides food
Fruiting: On pollinated female plants

Native range

Native range / parentage: Eastern North America; native to Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana Species native to Kentucky.
Tristate native status: Eastern North America; native to Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana

Fruit & harvest

Pollination: Male and female flowers usually occur on separate trees; confirm a fruiting female and suitable pollen source.

Growing & care

Care & pruning: Give the tree room to mature and prune in late fall or winter as needed for structure or safety. Keep berries away from paving where staining matters; eat only fully ripe fruit.
Harvest: Pick only ripe, dark-purple fruit. Unripe fruit and sap can cause illness.
Pruning: Prune in late fall or winter to reduce bleeding.
Placement: Allow room for a broad canopy; fallen fruit can stain pavement and vehicles.

Sources & photo credits

NC State Extension

arboretum.ca.uky.edu

Photo: Douglas Goldman (image resized for display) · CC BY-SA 4.0

Reviewed October 1, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.