The genus Morus, as treated here, comprises 19 species of which 9 are currently included in this database. It has been proposed (Zeng Q et al, (2015) Definition of Eight Mulberry Species in the Genus Morus by Internal Transcribed SpacerBased Phylogeny. PLoS ONE 10(8): e0135411.doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0135411) that there are only eight distinct species in this genus. If this treatment is accepted then this species will still be considered distinct.

Common Name: Red Mulberry

General Information

Morus rubra is a deciduous or a tree that can grow up to 20 metres tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.
Morus rubra has a wide range and a large, stable population. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

Known Hazards

Skin contact with the leaves or stems can cause dermatitis in some very sensitive people[].
The milky sap in the leaves and unripe fruits can cause dermatitis, hallucinations and central nervous system disturbances[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Eastern and central N. America - Minnesota to Quebec and Maine, south to Texas and Florida

Habitat

An understorey tree, usually growing as scattered individuals in rich moist woods on floodplains etc[, , ]. Sunny places along the sides of roads[]. Plants do not grow well on poor soils[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	15.00 m
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a warm well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position[, ].
The red mulberry is sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit, there are some named varieties[]. It is said to be of no value as a fruiting tree in Britain[, ]. Trees come into bearing when about 10 years old, fruiting best between the ages of 30 - 85 years and declining from the age of 125 years[].
A good plant to grow grapes into. The grapes are difficult to pick but they always seem to be healthier and free from fungal diseases[].
Mulberries have brittle roots and so need to be handled with care when planting them out[].
Any pruning should only be carried out in the winter when the plant is fully dormant because mulberries bleed badly when cut[]. Ideally prune only badly placed branches and dead wood[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
Dioecious[] Male and female plants must be grown if fruit is required.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw, cooked or made into preserves[, , , , , ]. Large and sweet with a good flavour, the fruit can be up to 3cm long[]. The fruit can also be dried and ground into a powder[]. This is used to make a delicious confection with almonds and other nuts[]. The fruit is soft and juicy, when fully ripe it falls from the tree and is easily squashed[]. Unripe fruits can cause stomach disorders[].

Young shoots and unfolding leaves - raw or cooked.

Medicinal

The root bark is anthelmintic and cathartic[]. A tea made from the roots has been used in the treatment of weakness, difficult urination, dysentery, tapeworms and as a panacea[, ].

The sap is used in the treatment of ringworm[, ]. Another report says that the milky juice obtained from the axis of the leaf is used[].

The fruits are used to reduce fevers[].

Other Uses

A cloth can be made from the fibrous bark[].

Wood - coarse-grained, light, very durable, not strong, soft, rather tough. It weighs about 45lb per cubic foot and is used for boats, fencing and cooperage[, , , , ]. The wood is, generally, of little commercial importance but current and past uses include fenceposts, farm implements, cooperage, furniture making, interior finish, and caskets[].

Propagation

The seed germinates best if given 2 - 3 months cold stratification[, ]. Sow the seed as soon as it is ripe if possible, otherwise in late winter in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in the first spring, though it sometimes takes another 12 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Plant out in spring. A good percentage take, though they sometimes fail to thrive[, ].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 25 - 30cm with a heel of 2 year old wood, autumn or early spring in a cold frame or a shady bed outside[, 113,200]. Bury the cuttings to threequarters of their depth.
Layering in autumn[].