White Mulberry (Common Mulberry)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Moraceae, Genus: Morus, Species: Morus alba · Moraceae (Mulberry family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Morus alba
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Moraceae (Mulberry family)
Shape
Variable, ovate to cordate, sometimes deeply lobed (particularly on vigorous young shoots)
Size
Approximately 2-6 inches long and 2-4 inches wide, varying widely on the same branch
Margin
Serrate to dentate (coarsely toothed)
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Bright medium green on the upper surface, paler green beneath with smooth surfaces
Venation Pattern
Palmate venation with prominent veins radiating from the asymmetric base
Texture & Surface
Smooth, somewhat glossy upper surface with prominent pale veins beneath
Description
Morus alba is a fast-growing, small to medium-sized deciduous tree reaching heights of 30 to 50 feet. It features a rounded crown, rough furrowed bark, and famously polymorphic leaves that can be unlobed or deeply lobed even on the same branch. It produces sweet, multiple-aggregate fruits that resemble blackberries, transitioning from white to pinkish-red and finally dark purple-black when fully ripe.
Key Features
Extremely variable leaf shape on a single tree, milky sap when petioles are broken, coarse teeth along leaf margins, and sweet aggregate fruits resembling blackberries
Habitat
Thrives in disturbed areas, forest edges, open woodlands, and urban environments; prefers well-draining soils and full sun
Geographic Range
Native to northern China, widely naturalized and invasive across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia
Condition Notes
The foliage appears dense, healthy, and vigorous, with a vibrant green coloration typical of a mature summer canopy in excellent condition
Interesting Facts
White Mulberry was imported to North America in a failed attempt to establish a silk industry, as its leaves are the exclusive food source for the silkworm (Bombyx mori)
Medicinal & Uses
Fruits are edible and rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and iron, often eaten fresh or made into jams and wines. Root bark and leaves have traditional applications in herbal medicine
Ecological Role
Provides vital food sources for numerous birds and mammals that consume the sweet fruits and disperse the seeds widely across varied landscapes
Similar Species
Red Mulberry (Morus rubra), which has rougher, larger, softly hairy leaves beneath and is native to North America, unlike the introduced White Mulberry
Foraging Tips
Look for trees along old fence rows, forest margins, and urban parks during summer when ripe fruits make the trees easily identifiable
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic for humans and ripe fruits are edible; however, unripe fruits and milky sap can cause mild stomach upset or irritation in sensitive individuals