A quick summary: This data is pretty confusing so a closer look at the report on the left is strongly recommended. However, this project resulted in the first ever red mulberry report in iNaturalist in Minnesota and 164% increase in observations of white mulberry in iNaturalist during 2021. Hopefully this line will persuade you to read the report for additional context : "With 312 white or hybridized mulberries to only 6 red mulberries verified observations of likely living, non-native white mulberries and hybrids now outnumber native red mulberries about 1:52."

Red mulberry, Morus rubra, may be the rarest tree in Minnesota. Red mulberry's native range is thought to include southeastern Minnesota, the same part of the state that's getting warmer and wetter and thus more like areas further south and east that have more red mulberries. So where are Minnesota's red mulberries and why aren't they thriving? Help us better understand where this rare tree with edible fruit is today.

Photo by Sally Weeks, Purdue University 

White mulberry, Morus alba, is a non-native mulberry originally from India and China. It has been widely planted in the United States and reproduces and spreads into natural landscapes. White mulberry is commonly misidentified as red mulberry making it very hard to accurately understand where either is found today. 

In addition, red and white mulberries can cross-pollinate resulting in hybrids, thus further complicating identification. If you think you've found a hybrid please report it as a white mulberry and add a comment about your identification concerns and why you think it could be a hybrid. 

Photo by Sally Weeks, Purdue University.

Purdue University has a great red and white mulberry guide you can access here. Check it out and reference it frequently to make sure you're confident about your ID.

Photos by Sally Weeks, Purdue University