About Morus celtidifolia Kunth
Morus celtidifolia Kunth, commonly known as Texas mulberry, is a plant species native to South America, Central America, Mexico, and the southwestern United States. Its range extends from Argentina in the south north to Arizona and Oklahoma in the United States. In the United States, this species grows in canyons and on slopes, most commonly near streams, at elevations between 200 and 2200 metres (660 to 7220 feet). Many sources, including the Flora of North America, very often refer to this species as "Morus microphylla". However, recent studies indicate that these two names are synonyms, and the name Morus celtidifolia has taxonomic priority. Morus celtidifolia grows as either a shrub or a tree, and can reach a maximum height of 7.5 m (25 ft). Its leaves are much smaller than the leaves of the other two Morus species found in the United States, Morus alba and Morus rubra. The leaf blade of Morus celtidifolia is usually less than 7 centimetres (2+3⁄4 inches) long. The edible fruits of this species are red, purple, or nearly black. The fruits are eaten by wildlife, and were historically consumed by Native Americans. In ancient, likely prehistoric times, the Havasupai people introduced Morus celtidifolia to the Grand Canyon.
