Plants and People Project

Mulberry - Morus

Red Mulberry is a native tree to North America. The white mulberry is native to China, but has been planted widely in North America.

American Indians made a medicine from the roots and they used the sap to treat ringworm. Peterson Field Guide Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, 1990.

Mulberry wood has been used to make non-rotting fence posts. PA DCNR

Mulberries are edible. They are highly perishable. Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants

George Washington planted white mulberries at Mount Vernon. He planned to use their leaves to feed to silkworms.

Mulberry is a great tree for a habitat garden. Plant it far from your house or walks since the dropped berries can be messy.

The dark red berries of the Red Mulberry are a favorite summer food of birds and other wildlife. Animals also use the trees for shelter and nesting sites to raise their young.

close up of ripening mulberries

DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past. Be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.

Identification and facts / More facts

This glorious White Mulberry tree was planted by George Washington at the edge of his formal garden at Mount Vernon, Virginia. To get an idea of its size - the white fence is nearly 5 feet tall.