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.

Where is Russian Mulberry native?

Russian Mulberry (Morus alba) is native to VA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

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: June 2026

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

Native to

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

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.
Where is Russian Mulberry native?: Russian Mulberry (Morus alba) is native to VA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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.

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 Russian Mulberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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