FOREST TREES OF ILLINOIS

White Mulberry Morus alba

Characteristics

Leaves: simple, alternate, round toothed, 2 or 3 lobed or unlobed, up to 5 inches long, bright green & smooth dorsal surface with a paler & smooth ventral surface, veins on ventral surface may or may not have a few hairs present; up to 2 1/2 inch smooth leafstalks

Flower: separate staminate and pistillate flowers, may be on same or separate trees, appearing same time leaves appear; staminate flowers form thin green clusters up to 2 inches in length; pistillate flowers form short, thick spikes up to 1 inch long.

Fruit: clusters of tiny drupes, can be white or pink, seldom red or purple, sweet, juicy, up to 1/4 inch in length,

Twigs: skinny, yellow colored, can be smooth or hairy, zig zag in shape; alternate leaf scars that are half-moon shaped, raised with several bundle traces

Bud: pointy, brownish-red, smooth, up to 1/6th inch long

Bark: light brown with slight orangish tint, long scaly plates

Form: medium tree, as tall as 50 feet; trunk diameter-2 feet; crown is wide and round with numerous small branches

Wood description and uses: light in weight, soft, rough grained, orangish brown in color; fence posts, fruit is tasty

Habitat: woods, roadsides, disturbed areas

Range: Asian native, Maine to Minnesota, south to Texas, east to Georgia

Distinguishing features: similar to Red Mulberry but has no hairs on lower surface of leaves except along the veins occasionally,

Location: Mattoon, Illinois

Sources Cited: Mohlenbrock, Robert. (N.D.). Forest Trees of Illinois. Springfield, IL:

Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Contact Information- lstarwalt@cumberland.k12.il.us

Link to Native Trees of Illinois index page