White Mulberry (Common Mulberry, Silkworm Mulberry)
Morus alba · Moraceae (Mulberry family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Ovate to broadly ovate, sometimes deeply lobed (this particular specimen is unlobed, ovate)
Margin
Serrate to dentate (coarsely toothed)
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Palmate venation, with three main prominent veins radiating from the base of the leaf blade
Key Features
Variable leaf shape (unlobed to lobed on the same twig), coarsely toothed margins, palmate venation with three prominent basal veins, and milky sap exuded from broken petioles or twigs.
Description
Morus alba is a fast-growing, small to medium-sized tree reaching heights of 30 to 50 feet. The leaves are notoriously variable in shape on the same tree, ranging from unlobed and heart-shaped to deeply mitten-shaped or multi-lobed.
Habitat
Found in disturbed areas, roadsides, forest edges, and urban environments. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils, though it is highly adaptable to poor soils and drought.
Native Range
Native to northern and central China, but widely introduced and naturalized across temperate and subtropical regions globally, including most of North America and Europe