Red Mulberry, also known as Common Mulberry, American Mulberry
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Moraceae, Genus: Morus, Species: Morus rubra · Moraceae (Mulberry family) · Simple, deciduous leaf with polymorphic shapes
Species
Morus rubra
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf with polymorphic shapes
Family
Moraceae (Mulberry family)
Shape
Extremely variable, ranging from unlobed ovate to deeply lobed with 2 to 3 distinct mitten-shaped or symmetrical lobes
Size
Approximately 4 to 8 inches long and 3 to 5 inches wide, which is typical for healthy adult specimens of this species
Margin
Serrate (coarsely toothed margins with rounded or pointed teeth)
Arrangement
Alternate arrangement along the herbaceous to woody stems with prominent petioles
Rarity
Common throughout its native range, though large mature canopy trees are less frequently encountered in heavily developed suburban areas
Color & Pattern
Vibrant medium to dark green on the upper adaxial surface, slightly paler with fine hairs on the lower abaxial surface, exhibiting healthy seasonal summer coloration
Venation Pattern
Palmate venation with three prominent veins radiating from the base of the leaf blade, complemented by a prominent reticulate network
Texture & Surface
Rough and scabrous on the upper surface due to tiny stiff hairs, softly pubescent on the lower surface along the veins
Description
Morus rubra is a medium-sized deciduous tree reaching heights of 30 to 50 feet with a rounded, spreading crown. The leaves are remarkably polymorphic, often showing entirely different shapes on the same branch. The bark is reddish-brown and exfoliating in long strips with age. It produces inconspicuous greenish flowers in spring followed by cylindrical aggregate fruits that resemble blackberries, transitioning from green to red, and finally deep purple-black when ripe in early summer.
Key Features
Polymorphic leaf shapes on the same branch (unlobed and lobed), rough sandpaper-like upper leaf texture, milky sap exuding from broken petioles or twigs, and palmate venation originating from the base
Habitat
Typically found in rich, moist deciduous forests, along streams, floodplain woods, forest edges, and disturbed areas with well-draining soils and partial to full sun exposure
Geographic Range
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Ontario and New York south to Florida and west to Texas and South Dakota
Condition Notes
The photographed leaf is in excellent, healthy condition, showing vibrant green coloration, no signs of chlorosis or necrosis, and minimal insect activity
Interesting Facts
The fruits are highly prized by a wide variety of birds and mammals, which help distribute the seeds. The wood is surprisingly durable in contact with soil and was historically used for fence posts and cask staves by early settlers
Medicinal & Uses
The sweet, edible fruits can be consumed raw, dried, or baked into pies, jams, and wines. The bark and roots have been used in traditional herbal remedies. The tree is also planted extensively for wildlife conservation and shade
Ecological Role
Serves as a crucial early-successional food source for wildlife, providing nourishment for over forty species of birds and various mammals during the summer fruiting season, supporting high biodiversity
Similar Species
White Mulberry (Morus alba), an introduced invasive species, can look very similar but typically has smoother, shinier, and less rough upper leaf surfaces. Sassafras albidum also has lobed leaves but lacks teeth on the margins
Foraging Tips
Look for trees along forest borders, fence lines, and disturbed woodlots during late spring and early summer when the ripe purple fruits make the trees easy to spot. Always check for the characteristic rough texture and milky sap
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic. The ripe fruits are completely safe and edible for humans and animals. Unripe green fruits and vegetative parts may cause mild digestive upset if consumed in large quantities due to milky latex sap