Morus rubra
red mulberry

Notes:

"Well-behaved" and widely adaptable. Pollen may be allergenic, but fruits are messy too, so neither sex is without its issues. Not for use near paved areas due to fruit litter, unless known to be male/fruitless.

JerseyYards.org gives this tree a ringing endorsement for its wildlife value despite the litter issue. They also claim partial shade is preferred, but considering that some other sources claim it's not even tolerated, I cannot justify tagging it so.

Cal Poly and NCSU assert deer resistance, contradicted by JerseyYards.org. Dirr/Warren note that drought tolerance does not match that of M. alba or M. nigra.

Cal Poly and Sunset note that this tree's mulberries are larger and tastier than those of the invasive M. alba.

Sources: White Oak, Sunset, NCSU, Dirr, UFL, Cal Poly, JerseyYards.org, USDA, Dirr/Warren.

Tags:

alkaline soil intolerant
attracts:birds (ex-humming)
attracts:larval host
attracts:mammals
branches break
clay tolerant
coarse texture
dense canopy
dioecious
drought tolerant
easy to grow
edible fruit
exposure:full sun
exposure:part shade
fall color notable
fast-growing
fire risk low
form:multi-trunked
form:trainable to single trunk
form:tree
habit:rounded
habit:spreading/wide
habit:upright
infertile soil tolerant
litter:fruit
native:eastern North America
persistence:deciduous
pest/disease sensitive
pollution tolerant
resprouts notably
rich soil preferred
root competition intolerant
roots:high damage potential
salt intolerant
sandy soil tolerant
type:broadleaf
use:deck/patio
use:espalier
use:naturalizing
use:shade tree
water:regular


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