Red mulberry - Morus rubra (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Edible)

Red mulberry

Red mulberry (Morus rubra) is a small- to medium-sized deciduous tree. Its sweet fruits are edible and look like blackberries. They can be eaten raw or boiled and are used in cake or pastry fillings. They can also be fermented to make alcoholic mulberry wine. Records of interactions with red mulberry plants by English settlers date back to the first days of colonization in what is now Virginia.

Scientific classification

Species

Red mulberry (Morus rubra)

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

5 mm to 7 mm

Flower Size

Red, Black, Purple, Burgundy, Yellow, Lavender, White

Fruit Color

Green, Yellow

Flower Color

Silver, Brown, Gray

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Red mulberry

Attributes of Red mulberry

Growth Rate

During the spring and summer, Morus rubra ('red mulberry') displays moderate growth, both in height and leaf production, likely due to the optimal sunlight absorption during these seasons. Furthermore, its growth speed facilitates healthier, denser foliage and contributes to its adaptation to flourish in varied climates. It's possible that this measured growth rate ensures the plant's ability to optimally use available resources and energy during its active growing season.

Distribution of Red mulberry

Distribution Map

Red mulberry is native to the central and eastern US and Canada. Its native range includes stream and riverbanks, ravines, depressions, and shaded woods. It has been introduced in Bermuda and Turkey.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Woods

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Red mulberry has variable leaves that turn a brilliant yellow during the autumn, giving a wonderful vista if planted at the edge of woodlands. The fruit produced by this tree is edible, so it wouldn't be unusual to grow it at the edge of a kitchen garden. It is also suitable for children’s or pollinator gardens.

Symbolism

Patience, wisdom, expediency, a star-crossed romance

Interesting Facts

The red mulberry is the only truly native mulberry in eastern deciduous forests of the United States. The white mulberry, which can be distinguished from the red mulberry by the lack of hairs on the undersides of its leaves, also grows in the same regions. However, the white mulberry was introduced to these forests from Asia in the 1700s in an attempt to establish a silkworm industry.

Name Story

Red mulberry: Mulberry trees always appear to be similar to each other. They are usually distinguished by the details of leaves, bark, fruit and so on. This kind of plant is featured with reddish-brown bark. Furthermore, the most well-known feature is its deep red berry which is very sweet and delicious, and its color is extremely attractive. Moreover, it is called red mulberry because of the red colors on the tree bark and berries.

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Quickly Identify Red mulberry

Heart-shaped, dark green leaves with toothed edges, ranging from 3-5 inches (7.6-12.7 cm) in length.

Unisexual flowers in drooping catkin-like spikes, greenish in color, with male catkins around 1.5 inches (4 cm) long.

Sweet, blackberry-like fruits in reddish to dark purple clusters, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) in length.

Slender branches with smooth reddish-brown bark, featuring scattered white lenticels and light green glabrous shoots.

Distinctive sturdy trunk with grey-brown bark adorned with scaly ridges that exfoliate for unique tactile identification.

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Care Guide for Red mulberry

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Red mulberry thrives in woodland and riverbank ecosystems with moderate moisture, preferring hydration while adaptable to drought. Watering should occur every 1-2 weeks. Typically grown outdoors, red mulberry benefits from mulching to retain soil moisture during its active growing season.

Fertilize: For red mulberry, use balanced fertilizers in spring and fall, adjusting for size and growth stages. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent root burn. Fertilizers applied around the drip line enhance growth, fruiting, and vigor, allowing red mulberry to thrive in diverse conditions and provide robust yields.

Pruning: Red mulberry thrives with late winter pruning before new growth. Key techniques include removing dead branches, thinning, and shaping to enhance air circulation and health. Early pruning prevents infections and encourages vigorous regrowth, ensuring optimal growth and fruiting potential.

Propagation: Red mulberry is best propagated via grafting and layering in winter and spring. It is moderately challenging, with new shoot growth indicating success. Maintaining optimal moisture levels is crucial for enhancing rooting during propagation.

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Images of Red mulberry

Attributes of Red mulberry

Distribution of Red mulberry

Culture

Quickly Identify Red mulberry

Care Guide for Red mulberry

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