■m^fflm

- * c'. i ■ ■

'■'[y.'.l:

$ itfjg

sgsSSiYK

by VVes Demaresf

Mulberry

J. would like to remind you that I am not a forester or any type of tree expert, but just an old guy that has spent a lot of time in the woods and at the bench. That being said, Ihe photos of the red/black mulberry shown in this profile are from a tree on our property that came from my grandmother. I refer to it as red/black because it is most likely a hybrid; it does not have the definitive characteristics of either. Additionally, rny grandmother had several reds, whites, and blacks on the farm. This was one of her seedlings, meaning its genetics are well mixed.

Red mulberry is native to the US and its range extends from Massachusetts to Florida, westward to central Texas and north to Iowa. White mulberry, an imported variety, has been planted extensively throughout the US in an effort to develop a viable silk production industry, which so far has failed. However, the two species cross-pollinate and the hybrids have now become naturalized in many parts of the Eastern United States. Black mulberry was also imported for the superior flavor of its berries and also has been widely planted.

As you can determine from its range, red mulberry has a wide tolerance for growing conditions, but needs about. .150 frost-free days/year in an area of moist, well-drained soil below 2000 feet in elevation, and does best in flood plains.

Mature trees will range in size from 15' to nearly 80' tall with diameters at breast height (DBII) well in excess of 48" in exceptionally large specimens. It. usually has a short divided trunk and a large spreading crown, and grows best in open conditions. However, it is shade tolerant and when found in wood lots will be found in the understory growing near streams and wet spots.

50 • Creative Woodworks S, Crafts January 2005