Years ago, I found a small tree growing by a rose bush close to my house. It wasn't anything I planted so I cut it down. It started to grow back and I decided to let it grow and see what it was. Now 6-8 years later, it is 8' tall and loaded with berries. I have a suspicion that it's a mulberry but I'm not sure. I hope someone can look at the leaves, bark and berries and give me a positive I.D. Thanks in advance!

Its a Mulberry. Taste one (only the black ones) to see if its a keeper.

I always used to eat those berries when I was a kid, we'd see those trees everywhere! Now I don't see them as much (but I see a lot of purple bird droppings so someone near me must have one).

Thanks for the fast responses, Lucy and Nancy! I'm grateful! I was pretty sure it was a mulberry but with my luck it could have been an exotic shrub with poisonous berries. LOL I went out and filled a Cool-Whip bowl and there are still enough on the tree for several more bowlfuls. Thanks again!

You can have a Mulberry and still have an exotic non-native species.

That is an Asian/White Mulberry - Morus alba. This is a noxious species in eastern North America, despite its tasty fruit. All the seeds that birds eat and then deposit elsewhere will sprout and contest native plants for growing space.

I would suggest that you try to find a native Red Mulberry (Morus rubra) to fill the same slot in your landscape, and eliminate this pestiferous species for the long term values in your environment.

John, can't tell you how much I appreciate your post. I had no idea a mulberry could be invasive. After reading your message and watching a couple videos, I've decided this tree has to go. It's growing very close to the house and I don't want any root damage. I'll dig it up soon. Thanks!