White Mulberry

Morus alba

non-native


White Mulberry is a non-native invasive tree found through most of Virginia and the rest of North America. It is very similar to the native Red Mulberry, to which it can transmit a root disease. White Mulberry is a small to medium-sized species, reaching a maximum height of about 65 feet. The tree can release pollen at about 350 miles per hour (half the speed of sound), which is the fastest known movement in the plant kingdom. It is native to Asia and was introduced to North America in colonial times as a food source for silkworms, because White Mulberry leaves are their preferred food. One possible interpretation of the nursery rhyme "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush" is that it reflects the problems the British had in trying to copy the success of the Chinese in producing silk.

Identification Tools

NC State Extension Missouri Botanical Garden Go Botany Invasive Plant Atlas

Ranges

North America Virginia

White Mulberry
Back of a White Mulberry leaf

White Mulberry
White Mulberry leaves

White Mulberry
White Mulberry flowers

White Mulberry
White Mulberry flowers

White Mulberry
White Mulberry ovaries developing into fruit

White Mulberry
Unripe White Mulberry fruit

White Mulberry
Ripe White Mulberry fruit

White Mulberry
Ripe White Mulberry fruit

White Mulberry
Young White Mulberry tree

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