Is this a tree?

15 years ago

Hello Friends,

I have this beautiful green thing growing in my yard, in a place I'd rather not have it. I've tried for 4-5 years to kill it but so far, it has won. I've dug beneath the soil and cut it off but it still insists on coming back. It will grow like a tree, if I leave it be. And fast!

Finally, this year, I said "Ok, you win but you must be a shrub!" So, I'm keeping it cut back.

I'd be fine with not knowing what it is but recently, I've noticed my dogs eating the leaves. When I first saw it I kept an eye on them and they're still going strong. Too strong most days. They eat it like it's the best thing they've ever tasted! I don't care a bit if they eat it if it's not going to hurt them.

So, does anyone know what it is?

I know you probably get tired of questions like this but if you can help me out, for Sam & Sassy's sake, I sure would appreciate it.

Mature leaf & young leaves

{{gwi:359810}}

Sam & Sassy say thanks!

{{gwi:359811}}

And so do I! ~ Deb

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Comments (10)

pineresin
15 years ago
First two pics: White Mulberry Morus alba - yes, a tree.

Second two pics: no, not a tree, looks more like a dog.

Resin
Iris GW
15 years ago
Next time you cut it, dab a little brush killer or roundup on the cut stems.
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Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)
15 years ago
Agree with both of the above, although I'm willing to concede the second set of pix may be a tree ;o)

Dan
Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)
15 years ago
..oops meant to write:

although I'm willing to concede the second set of pix may be a tree due to the bark ;o)

Dan
lucky_p
15 years ago
Would that be a dog-wood tree, Dan?
ba-dum.
deb_12
Original Author
15 years ago

Thank you so much. Yes, I believe that's it.

So, if I let it grow, will I get mulberries?
Iris GW
15 years ago
Yes, but that is the non-native Mulberry. A bit of a pest too in some areas.
Embothrium
15 years ago
Due in part to the polymorphic leaves people ask about this tree repeatedly.

That and it popping up all over.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
15 years ago
your mulberry was a freebie planted by a bird .... mostly in a splatter of purple goo ...

its an invasive weed .. evidenced by yours ....

one tree will lead to thousands of seedling in your yard .... and a month or rotting gelatinous goo fermenting on the ground leading to drunken bees ...

all this so you can have a handful once a year ...

get rid of it .. as i wish i could get rid of mine ... and once the kids lose interest.. they will all go to the burn pile .... and will be one of the happiest of my gardening days ...

you want fruit.. get yourself a good fruit tree ...

no telling how many years it might be for you to get a berry .. or know whether yours is female ... by which time it will most likely until it will cost too much to take down ...

cut to ground level and apply stump killer or undiluted roundup ... 2 or 3 times per year.. until it dies ...

ken, who apparently hates mulberry today ...
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
15 years ago
A refreshing change from your more usual hatred of maples rant, Ken :-)) LOL!!