Red Mulberry
Morus rubra
Last reviewed: June 2026
Red Mulberry (Morus rubra) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org, last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
360"–720" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, FL and 28 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Red mulberry is a native deciduous tree that produces dark purple berries in summer. It grows quite large at maturity, reaching 30-60 feet tall with a broad, rounded crown. The tree blooms with small greenish flowers in late spring before producing its edible fruit.
In an HOA neighborhood
Red Mulberry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very large mature size inappropriate for most residential lots
- Messy fruit drop stains walkways and attracts wildlife
- Can spread aggressively through bird-dispersed seeds
Wildlife value
Host plant for mourning cloak butterfly.
The flowers attract bees and beetles in late spring. Birds love the sweet berries, and the leaves serve as food for various butterfly caterpillars.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Red Mulberry fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.