Morus microphylla aka Mexican Mulberry

Morus microphylla, or Texas mulberry, belongs to the mulberry family. Its native range spans Arizona to Oklahoma and northern Mexico. It grows in canyons, often near streams on dry slopes. These sites include limestone hills and slopes of volcanic rock. Its wider habitat includes desert and dry scrub. Records place it from 656–7,218 feet [200–2,200 metres] above sea level.

This small tree can also form a large shrub. Sources give heights of about 20–25 feet [6–7.6 metres]. Its spread can match its height, reaching 25 feet [7.6 metres]. The leaves fall, though some may stay on longer. They grow in an alternate pattern along the twigs. Each leaf is round or heart-shaped, with coarse teeth. Some have three lobes, while others have none. They reach about 2.5 inches long and feel rough. Their green upper sides contrast with paler undersides. Young bark is smooth and gray, then grows warty and scaly. Slender, hairy, gray-brown twigs follow a zigzag line. Their pointed buds have reddish-brown scales.

Small green catkins appear in spring, with May noted for flowering. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Seed production therefore needs plants of both sexes. Male catkins are narrow; female catkins are shorter and plumper. The round, fleshy fruits look like small blackberries. Each consists of several small drupes joined together. They turn red to purple in early to midsummer. One source places seed ripening in July. Fruits measure about half an inch across, sometimes slightly more. Their taste ranges from sweet to sour.

For gardens, it prefers warm, well-drained loam and a sunny site. It also accepts light shade and sandy or clay soils. Suitable soils range from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. Despite its dry native setting, cultivation guidance favors moist soil. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9. Woodland gardens and sunny woodland edges offer suggested planting sites.

The fruit is edible raw and can be dried for storage. Some fruit is small and dry, despite its pleasant taste. Native North Americans once grew this tree for food. Split twigs have served as basket material. Its hard, heavy, close-grained wood has also served in carpentry. The tree's small size limits its value as commercial timber. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards or medicinal uses.