How much sun does Russian Mulberry need?

Russian Mulberry grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Russian Mulberry bloom?

Russian Mulberry blooms in April and May.

Is Russian Mulberry toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Russian Mulberry as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Russian Mulberry attract?

Russian Mulberry draws bees and beetles.

Is Russian Mulberry HOA-friendly?

Russian Mulberry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Russian Mulberry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Morus alba

Last reviewed: August 2026

Russian Mulberry (Morus alba) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-08-15). 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 Russian Mulberry as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

240"–600" H × 240"–480" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Russian Mulberry

Russian Mulberry is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Russian mulberry is a fast-growing deciduous tree that reaches 20-50 feet tall with a broad, spreading crown. It produces small greenish flowers in spring followed by edible berries that ripen from white to dark purple in summer. This hardy tree tolerates various soil conditions and provides good shade coverage.

In an HOA neighborhood

Russian 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.

Messy fruit drop stains walkways and cars
Very large mature size may violate spacing requirements
Fast growth can appear uncontrolled without regular pruning

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. Birds eagerly consume the abundant berries, making this an excellent wildlife food source.

Common questions

How much sun does Russian Mulberry need?: Russian Mulberry grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Russian Mulberry bloom?: Russian Mulberry blooms in April and May.
Is Russian Mulberry toxic to dogs?: Russian Mulberry is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Russian Mulberry toxic to cats?: Russian Mulberry is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Russian Mulberry toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Russian Mulberry as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Russian Mulberry attract?: Russian Mulberry draws bees and beetles.
Is Russian Mulberry HOA-friendly?: Russian Mulberry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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