Red Mulberry (Morus rubra)

Form

Attains a height of 40 to 60 feet with a diameter of 1 to 3 feet; trunk is short and the crown round-topped and dense.

Bark

Thin, dark grayish brown, peeling off in long, narrow flakes.

Leaf

Alternate, simple, ovate or heart-shaped, toothed, 3 to 5 inches long; occasional leaves are mitten-shaped or 3-5 lobed. Leaves without lobes resemble basswood leaves except that the sides are equal at the base, while basswood leaves are unequal or lopsided at the base. Milky juice can be squeezed from the stem of a fresh mulberry leaf.

Flower

Flowers are of two kinds, both occuring on the same tree.

Fruit

The fruit is similar to that of the white mulberry, a native of Asia, which has been planted extensively in the state for its fruit.

Range

Found on rich, moist soil in mixture with other hardwoods; has been observed only in the southwestern corner of the state, extending up the Mississippi River to Pepin.

Wood

Light, soft, not strong, rather tough, orange-yellow in color and is very durable in contact with the soil. Used for fence posts and fuel.

Notes

Mulberry can't be recommended for forestry purposes, but is an excellent ornamental tree, and it furnishes food for birds.