Plant · GBIF taxon 5361889
white mulberry
Morus albaAlso known as Common Mulberry, Silkworm Mulberry, Russian Mulberry
White mulberry trees feature variable, glossy green leaves that range from unlobed to deeply lobed on the same branch. Originally native to China where it served as the sole host plant for silkworms, this hardy species spreads rapidly via bird-dispersed seed across disturbed landscapes worldwide. Spring flowers release pollen at supersonic speeds, propelling microspores into the air with explosive physical force.
Fast-growingDeciduousSilkworm Host
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
- Silkworm Caterpillar
- Songbirds
- White-tailed Deer
ThreatsHybridization with native mulberries, habitat control, fungal leaf spot
HabitatsDisturbed areas, fencerows, urban woods, floodplains, forest edges
Life span100 to 150 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderRosales
- FamilyMoraceae
- GenusMorus
- SpeciesMorus alba
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Wild berries have toxic look-alikes; never eat wild fruit based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
- Leaf identification: Look for glossy upper leaf surfaces with coarse teeth and variable lobing.
- Habitat awareness: Search along sunlit field edges, urban alleyways, and hedgerows.
- Management context: Prevent unwanted spread by removing saplings before taproots establish deeply.
Host Plant (c) DavidHT, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Related Tree no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子 · cc0
Close Relative (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Close Relative
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