Our Mulberry Tree Through the Seasons

January 17, 2016

Our Mulberry Tree Through the Seasons

The Red Mulberry Tree stands small next to all the other large trees in the corner of our lot. No leaves or berries, just the bare branches waiting for spring!

This summer I learned something new about our mulberry tree from my husband, who retired from the Natural Conservation Service several years ago. One day we were looking at it and he said that the Red Mulberry has three shaped leaves growing on the same tree. The leaves have no lobes, one lobe (like a mitten), and three lobes. How unique and interesting.

Here is an excellent link for information about the Red Mulberry Tree.

The mulberry tree is not just any tree to me; it is a "tree of memories". As a small girl, I remember my mom going to a nearby park and picking mulberries. She would bring them home and cook them up. I enjoyed the taste, but the stems were gritty to eat. Many years later we bought a home with an acre lot that had a variety of trees and shrubs. This included a large mulberry tree. We let it grow and the birds and critters enjoyed the purple berries. Then an ice storm hit Western Kentucky in 2009...we lost so many beautiful trees!!! The mulberry tree had to be cut down. Then last year we noticed a Red Mulberry growing close to a small Cherry tree in the far corner of our lot. I was SO excited to see this small seedling!! It is growing and thriving so far. We still prefer to leave the berries for the animals and birds.

Our small Red Mulberry Tree (on the right) or as I call it our "Memory Tree". An even smaller cherry tree in on the left of the Mulberry.

In the Fall, the leaves of the Mulberry Tree turn yellow.

In the winter, the Red Mulberry stands small and bare, surrounded by the snow and larger trees. Come spring it will be taller and ready to produce the tasty purple mulberry fruit!