Morus rubra

The only native mulberry naturally occurring in North Carolina! A medium sized deciduous tree with a dense, spreading crown and dark green leaves that are loosely heart-shaped. Typically found in part shade, floodplain forest, rocky slopes and woodland edges where it averages 45-50 feet. The tree is most often dioecious (male and female flowers on separate plants). Both catkins are needed for fruit production, with female catkins producing elongated berries that start red and turn purple to black in the early summer. Birds, including northern mockingbirds, small mammals and people love the fruit.  It is edible fresh from the tree, but is often used in preserves, pies, and for juice. Wait for berries to turn deep purple and they will be the sweetest. For wildlife, the large foliage makes great cover for birds to nest and while still young, the leaves are often enjoyed by insects and small herbivores. Red Mulberry wood can be used for lumber, with people using it for fenceposts, furniture and other implements. This plant is drought tolerant, adapts to different soils, and deer resistant.