Scientific Family
Moraceae
Synonyms
Morus confinis, Morus crataegifolia, Morus grisea, Morus radulina
Other common names
Texas myulberry
littleleaf mulberry
mountain mulberry
Mexican mulberry
dwarf mulberry
Plant type
Trees
Riparian
Yes
Plant Description
Origin
Native
A large shrub or small tree with hairy branchlets; some of the leaves lobed and others smooth margined, toothed leaves have a sandpapery texture. Texas mulberry is the only native species of Morus in Arizona.
Shrub or small tree, smooth light-gray bark. Oval leaves less than 3 inches long on stems to 1/2 inch long, alternate, rough on both sides, pointed tips, rounded to heart-shaped at bases; thin hairy leaf stalks. Male and female flowers borne in catkins.
Height
16 feet
Width
Up to 20 feet
Habitat
Habitat description
Found in arroyos, hillsides and canyons, often along streams.
Plant Community
Riparian
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Interior Chaparral
Low elevation
3500
High elevation
5000
Leaves
Leaf color
Dark green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaf hairs
Top and bottom of leaves
Spines
No
Leaf Drop
Deciduous
Oval leaves alternate, 3 to 5 lobed and coarsely toothed to 2-1/2 inches long with pointed tips, rounded to heart-shaped at base; dark green above, paler below with short stiff hairs on both sides. Leaves may vary from lobed to simple and feel rough.
Flowers
Flower color
Green
Flower shape
Inconspicuous
Tubular
No
First bloom month
March
Last bloom month
April
Male and female flowers on different plants. Male catkins are narrow and 3/4 inch long. Female catkins are plump and 1/2 inch long.
Flower clusters
Elongated
Fruit
Fruit color
Red to purple
Fruit type
Berry-like
Cylindrical 1/2 inch long blackberry-like fruit, consisting of fleshy multiple fruits that mature in early to mid-summer.