Red Mulberry
Morus rubra
Family: Moraceae
What it is like
A very small tree. It grows up to 9 m high. The trunk is 40 cm across. The trunk is short and soon divides into stout spreading branches. The crown is dense and rounded. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are alternate and simple. Leaves are oval but can vary in shape on the one tree. They are 8-24 cm long. It tapers to a long tip. The base is broad and heart shaped. There are 3 prominent veins and teeth around the edge. The upper surface is yellowish-green and rough. It is softly hairy underneath. Leaves turn yellow in autumn. The flowers are small and yellowish. The male and female flowers can be in mixed catkins but usually are in separate catkins either on the same tree or different trees. They are produced in the axils of the leaves. The fruit are small and fleshy. They are in compact groups in fruits like raspberries. These are 22-30 mm long. They are red or dark purple and sweet, juicy and edible.
There are about 16 Morus species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. Plants grow well on deep moist soils. They are shade tolerant. It suits hardiness zones 5-10.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Bermuda, Canada, China, Europe, Central America, Haiti, Iraq, Kurdistan, Middle East, Nepal, North America, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, West Indies
How it is used for food
The ripe fruit can be eaten fresh with cream and sugar. They are also made into pies, jams, jellies, juice, muffins, fruit cakes and other foods. They are dried and mixed with almonds and other nuts. Young leaves are eaten raw or boiled. They are served with butter and salt. The leaves are used for sarma in Turkey. They are rolled around a filling of rice or minced meat.
Edible parts
Fruit, leaves
How it is grown
Occasionally plants are grown from sprouts of the stumps.
Its other names
Local names
Kimbu, Kirmizi dut, Mordut