Red Mulberry

Featured: Threatened Species Tree Restoration - Red Mulberry

Not to be confused with the semi-invasive Asian/White Mulberry, the Red Mulberry is native to Michigan, but has all but disappeared. It is listed as threatened/protected in Michigan. There are currently no known Red Mulberries in Eaton County and they have only been spotted in 16 Michigan counties. Red Mulberry trees have delicious edible fruit (for humans and wildlife), red bark, and are an understory tree that grows in shady, moist areas. Our Executive Director picked this tree to restore an important natural resource back to our county.

Size: 2-3'

Red mulberry (Morus rubra) is a medium-sized tree with a short trunk and a broad, rounded crown. Leaves are alternate, simple, 4–8 inches long, usually lacking lobes but some leaves with 1–3 lobes; teeth dense; tip pointed. Three main veins arise from the base. Undersurface hairy, paler than above. Bleeds milky sap. Leaf stalk hairy. Turn yellowish or lime green in the fall. Bark is thin, dark brown to gray with an orange tint, grooves shallow, ridges narrow, tight, sometimes with loose scales. Twigs are reddish-brown to light greenish-brown, smooth, slender, bleeding milky sap.

Flowers April–May; male and female flowers on the same tree or on different trees. Male catkins 2–3 inches long; female catkins ⅜ inch long. Fruits June–August, blackberry-like; red at first, ripening to purplish-black, cylindrical; ¾–1¼ inches long. Occurs in moist woods in lowland areas or on moist upland slopes. Height: up to 60ft. Do not plant under powerlines.

This plant will be packaged as "bare root". Bare root plants have no soil around their roots. Bare root trees, shrubs, and perennials must be planted as soon as possible before growth begins. Find care and planting instructions here:  https://www.arborday.org/trees/planting/bare-root.cfm

Item only available in bundles

Available through the Spring Tree Sale. Pick up from Kardell Hall, Eaton Co. Fairgrounds
Friday, April 12, 2024 9AM to 5PM
Saturday, April 13, 2024 9AM to 11AM