L.
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.137019
Element CodePDMOR0D040
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
IUCNLeast concern
Endemicoccurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassDicotyledoneae
OrderUrticales
FamilyMoraceae
GenusMorus
Other Common NamesMûrier rouge (FR) red mulberry (EN)
Concept ReferenceKartesz, J.T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. 2nd edition. 2 vols. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
Taxonomic CommentsFNA (vol. 3, 1997) lumps subspecific taxa.
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2025-01-17
Change Date1984-06-08
Edition Date2025-01-17
Edition AuthorsN. Ventrella (2025)
Threat ImpactUnknown
Range Extent>2,500,000 square km (greater than 1,000,000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences> 300
Rank ReasonsMorus rubra is a perennial tree or shrub occurring in moist forests, thickets, and disturbed areas of eastern North America from Ontario, Canada and Massachusetts south to Florida and Texas in the Unites States. There are over 3,000 estimated occurrences of this species in its native range; however, this is a common garden species and some of these records may be based on cultivated plants. Threats to this species include alteration of hydrology, invasive species, disease, deer browse, rights-of-way maintenance, logging, development, wildfire, recreational activities, and likely other threats in some places. Little is known about threats and trends, but with a large range extent, high number of occurrences, abundant habitat, broad habitat preferences, and no obvious intrinsic vulnerabilities, Morus rubra is considered secure.
Range Extent CommentsMorus rubra occurs in eastern North America, from Ontario, Canada and Massachusetts south to Florida and Texas in the Unites States (FNA 1997). Range extent was estimated using herbarium specimens and photo-based observations documented between 1994 and 2025 (GBIF 2025, iNaturalist 2025, SEINet 2025).
Occurrences CommentsBy applying a 1 km separation distance to herbarium records and photo-based observations documented between 1994 and 2025, there are estimated to be over 3,000 occurrences rangewide (GBIF 2025, iNaturalist 2025, SEINet 2025). However, this taxon is commonly cultivated, and iNaturalist observations (>15,000) were not evaluated for evidence of cultivation (iNaturalist 2025).
Threat Impact CommentsAlthough threats are not widely documented, Morus rubra is threatened by alteration of hydrology, invasive species, disease, deer browse, rights-of-way maintenance (including herbicide), logging, development, wildfire, recreational activities, and likely other threats in some places (NatureServe 2025). There is insufficient data, including anecdotal accounts, to understand the scope and severity of threats for this taxon. However, their overall impact is likely negligible given the species' broad range, large number of occurrences, tolerance of light disturbance, and affinity for typically abundant habitats, as well as no obvious intrinsic vulnerabilities.