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Morus rubra 'Hicks Everbearing'

Phonetic Spelling
MOR-russ ROO-bruh
Description

Hicks Everbearing red mulberry is a native tree species and has both edible and ornamental features. It can live up to 125 years but the weedy invasive character is not appealing. It is more cold hardy than black mulberry. Hicks Everbearing have a reputation for dropping large amounts of fruit for up to 4 months.

Hicks Everbearing is an older variety of mulberry and can be difficult to find.

The Red mulberry is best grown in rich, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It will be at its best in full sun. Prune in late fall or winter to avoid bleeding. It is easily grown from seed or cuttings and may also self-seed somewhat prolifically. It does not do well in poor soil.

The fruits are relished by birds but dropped fruit can cause maintenance issues such as staining concrete walkways, patios, and cars, so be aware of where the canopy will extend when choosing the location to plant one of these trees.  These trees can become weedy.  Herbicides are not effective, the best management is to hand pull seedlings when young.

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems: 

Borers may be a problem with this plant, particularly in the South. Whiteflies mass on some trees. Bacterial blight may kill foliage/branches. Coral spot cankers may cause twig dieback. Bacterial leaf scorch, powdery mildew, root rot, and witches broom may also occur. Watch for scale, mites, and mealybugs. Weedy self-seeding and messy fruit are concerns. 

More information on Morus rubra.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#hardy#deciduous#messy#deer resistant#edible fruits#edible garden#garden walls#bird friendly#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#weed
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#hardy#deciduous#messy#deer resistant#edible fruits#edible garden#garden walls#bird friendly#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#weed
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Morus
    Species:
    rubra
    Family:
    Moraceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Distribution:
    Found throughout the United States.
    Fire Risk Rating:
    low flammability
    Wildlife Value:
    Moderately resistant to deer. Fruit is eaten by birds and mammals.
    Play Value:
    Attracts Pollinators
    Edible fruit
    Wildlife Food Source
    Edibility:
    Jellies, Jams and wine from the ripe fruit.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Edible
    Native Plant
    Perennial
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Erect
    Oval
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    High
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    12-24 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Black
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Fragrant
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Length:
    1-3 inches
    Fruit Description:
    It produces numerous reddish-black fruit that looks like blackberry but slender, with a size of 1 1/4''
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Green
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Catkin
    Insignificant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    The small yellowish-green flower is not showy. Male flower and female flower can bloom on the same tree or different trees.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Features alternate broad simple green leaves with notch at the base, fine, serrated margin. Upper surface is rough and under surface is full of soft hair.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Dark Brown
    Dark Gray
    Surface/Attachment:
    Ridges
    Bark Description:
    Bark is grey-brown with a reddish tinge, scaly ridges that peel and curl.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Edible Garden
    Attracts:
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Pollution
    Salt