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Common names (Braco, 1995)
Identification
Morus rubra was first described by Carl von Linneaus in Species Plantarum which was published in 1753. Specimens of this species can be found in the University of Georgia Herbarium in cabinet #1913. Live specimens may be observed in the forest area of the State Botanical Garden in Athens, Georgia.
The red mulberry is usually a small tree, rarely growing over 50 feet tall under normal conditions. The wood is weak and course-grained and has few commercial uses. It is, however, relatively decay resistant and has been used as fence posts.(Patterson, 1984) Flowering occurs in early spring as the leaves are developing. These flowers are small, greenish and hang in clusters. The fruit becomes almost black and very sweet in about two months. The bark is thin with irregular fissures and long ridges. It is dark, reddish brown. The branches are stout, and spreading. Leaves of the red mulberry are alternate, deciduous, and 7.5-10 cm long. They span about 5 cm wide and are broadest near the base. The leaves are 1 or 3 lobed, heart shaped at the base, and have course teeth along the margins. They are thin and papery, dark blue-green and usually rough and slightly hairy when young. At maturity, the leaves are smooth and paler with whitish hairs on the lower surface. (Elias, 1980)
Geography
Morus alba L. |
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AREA | STATUS | REFERENCES |
North America: Continental United States; Canada |
No | Elias |
Eastern North America: United States east of Mississippi; Ontario and eastern Canada |
No | Elias |
Southeastern United States: AL AR DE DC FL GA KY MD NC SC TN VA WV |
Yes | Elias |
Southern Appalachian States: AL GA KY MD NC SC TN VA WV |
Yes | Elias |
Coastal Plain | Yes | Elias |
Piedmont | Yes | Elias |
Blue Ridge Mountains | rare | Duncan |
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? | |
Ridge and Valley | Yes | Elias |
Cumberland Plateau | Yes | Elias |
Central Arch | Yes | Elias |
Georgia | Yes | Elias |
Clarke County, Georgia | Yes | State Botanical Garden |
Sams Farm | Yes | Judy Smith, per.ob |
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No | Judy Smith, per.ob |
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? | - |
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Yes | Judy Smith, per.ob in the 180 and 80 transects |