Is Mulberry Tree safe for cats and dogs?
| Species | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Cats | Safe |
| Dogs | Safe |
Severity: Mild
Mulberry trees (Morus species) produce sweet, blackberry-like fruit that drops heavily in early summer, and the ASPCA classifies the tree as non-toxic to both cats and dogs. Ripe mulberries and the tree's leaves are not considered a poisoning risk, though as with any fruit, a pet that eats a large amount of fallen, fermenting berries can end up with an upset stomach.
The mulberry trees found across the United States are actually two different species with a very American backstory. Red mulberry (Morus rubra) is native to the eastern half of the country, while white mulberry (Morus alba) is an Asian species that, according to Clemson University's Home & Garden Information Center, "was introduced into the colonies early in the 1600s" after "King James I wanted to encourage silk production," since silkworm caterpillars prefer white mulberry leaves. The silk venture failed, but the trees spread widely and now readily cross-breed with native red mulberry, which conservationists worry could dilute the native species over time. Whichever species is growing in a yard, the ASPCA's non-toxic classification for Morus covers both.
For pets that graze on fallen fruit, the main concern is mess and mild digestive upset from overindulging, not plant toxicity.
Facts and examples
- Clemson University's HGIC states that white mulberry (Morus alba) "was introduced into the colonies early in the 1600s" because "King James I wanted to encourage silk production," while red mulberry (Morus rubra) is the mulberry species native to the eastern United States. (source, verified 2026-07-31)
Verdict re-verified against aspca.org, 2026-07-31 — confirmed unchanged. Source
This page is for general information only and is not veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your pet is showing symptoms, or you think they ate or touched something dangerous, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison-control hotline immediately.
Last verified 2026-07-31