Morus rubra
Red Mulberry, Moral

Mature Height: 30-72'     Longevity: 125 years

4-8 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

4-9 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
4: Despite drought listing in NRCS Plants database of "Mid" all references indicate moist locations necessary for tree.

8: Frequently listed along streams and in river valleys but several sources indicate tree can not tolerate frequent flooding (i.e. flooding in consecutive years).

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (NORTH) Deep penetration into Z4 in interior states of MN & WI. (SOUTH) Solid through Z9.

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: Same as NAS.

6   Sun Strength

7   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

Click here for Key
6.5 = Rapid
0 = Climax Capable
+.3 = 2 Major & 2 Minor
0 = ???
0 = No
-.2 = 45'
-.2 = 72'

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
7 = Tolerant
+.3 = Climax Capable
+.3 = 2 Major & 2 Minor
0 = ???
0 = No
-.2 = 45'
-.3 = 125 years

TOTAL SCORE (6.4): NRCS Plants database reports "Moderate" Growth rate but 20yr height suggests otherwise. Other resources indicate rapid growth. Small size prevents higher score.

TOTAL SCORE (7.1): Two sources identify as intermediate shade tolerance, but four more dependable sources list as tolerant. Assign nearly tolerant initial value.

1   Fire Strength

3   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: Small Tree = 1
Shallow roots, diminutive size, thin bark, short life all indicative of tree poorly adapted to fire.
Final Value = 1

DEFENSE
Base Score: Small Tree = 3-5
Tree can grow fairly large (Bigger than dogwoods, redbuds, etc.) & wood being listed as soft & weak lead to assignment to lower value for small tree.
Final Value = 3