Red Mulberry
Morus rubra
Last reviewed: June 2026
Red Mulberry is a native deciduous tree found across eastern and central United States. It blooms in late spring (May-June) and provides food for bees and beetles while producing edible dark red fruits.
Red Mulberry (Morus rubra) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Red Mulberry as toxic to livestock.
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.
Growing Red Mulberry
Grow Red Mulberry in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 360 to 720 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- Where does Red Mulberry naturally grow?
- Red Mulberry is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Florida north to southern New England and west to eastern Kansas and Texas.
- When does Red Mulberry bloom?
- Red Mulberry typically blooms in late spring, during May and June, producing small greenish flowers before the fruits develop.
- What pollinators visit Red Mulberry?
- Red Mulberry flowers attract various pollinators including bees and beetles, which help with the tree's reproduction.
- What growing conditions does Red Mulberry prefer?
- Red Mulberry is adaptable to various light conditions from full sun to partial shade and can tolerate different moisture levels, though it grows best in rich, moist soils.
- Is Red Mulberry toxic to dogs?
- Red Mulberry is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Red Mulberry toxic to cats?
- Red Mulberry is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Red Mulberry toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Red Mulberry as toxic to livestock.
- Is Red Mulberry HOA-friendly?
- Red Mulberry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
Ready to grow Red Mulberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz