Arkansas Tree Database

Scientific name:

Morus Alba

Size:

50' tall

Leaves:

alternate, simple, 2"-7" long with toothed margins, variable from unlobed to mitten-shaped to lobed, shallowly or deeply; dark green and shiny above, with undersurface smooth and smooth leaf stalk

Flowers:

small yellowish green in drooping catkins, inconspicuous

Fruit:

sweet edible blackberry-like, white or pink before ripening; loved by birds

Fall Interest:

deciduous

Culture:

sun; rich, moist, well-drained soil

Disease/Insect:

Use:

weedy and invasive, not recommended

Cultivars:

Notes:

bark thin, brown, shallowly furrowed; unlike native red mulberry, upper leaf surface is smooth and shiny; milky sap; traditional food for silkworms and imported in an attempt at the industry, subsequently spreading; native to China