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Description
Morus Rubra, commonly known as the Red Mulberry, is a deciduous tree that is native to eastern North America. It can grow up to 70 feet tall and can have a trunk diameter of up to 4 feet. The bark of the tree is gray-brown and rough, with deep furrows and ridges. The leaves are alternate, simple, and lobed, with a serrated margin. The flowers are small and greenish, and the fruit is a red, black, or purple berry that is edible and sweet.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Morus |
Appearance
The Red Mulberry has a rounded crown with a dense canopy of leaves. The leaves are dark green and can grow up to 10 inches long and 8 inches wide. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow before falling off. The tree produces a fruit that is 1-2 inches long and looks like a blackberry or raspberry. The fruit is sweet and juicy and can be eaten fresh or used in jams and jellies.
Care Guide
The Red Mulberry tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. It is important to water the tree regularly, especially during dry spells, to ensure healthy growth. Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, and prune it in the winter to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged branches. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Red Mulberry is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. The tree is also susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildew, and twig blight. These diseases can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the tree and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
The Red Mulberry is native to eastern North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and open fields. The tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the fruit of the Red Mulberry tree edible?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible and is sweet and juicy.
Q: What is the best time of year to prune a Red Mulberry tree?
A: The best time to prune a Red Mulberry tree is in the winter, when the tree is dormant.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Red Mulberry tree?
A: The Red Mulberry tree is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Q: Can the Red Mulberry tree grow in partial shade?
A: Yes, the Red Mulberry tree can tolerate partial shade, but prefers full sun.
Related Plants
- Morus alba – White Mulberry
- Morus nigra – Black Mulberry
- Morus macroura – Himalayan Mulberry
- Morus bombycis – Chinese Mulberry
References
- “Morus Rubra.” Missouri Botanical Garden. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b910.
- “Morus Rubra.” North Carolina State University. plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/morus-rubra/.
- “Red Mulberry.” The Morton Arboretum. mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/red-mulberry.
