Leaves occur in three general shapes in both species – entire, mitten (single lobed), and three-lobed. Red mulberry leaves (Fig. 1) are usually larger (4-10 inches) than white (3-4 inches) (Fig. 2). Red mulberry has dull, dark green leaves that are scabrous (rough) on top and usually lightly hairy beneath. Minor veins are numerous and obvious. Its margins are usually finely serrate when compared to those of white mulberry (Fig. 3).
White mulberry leaves are bright green (usually) and shiny above (usually). If any hairs are present, they occur on the main veins beneath. The margins usually have larger, more rounded teeth. The main veins underneath are very prominent compared to those of red mulberry (Fig. 4).

Red mulberry has larger, more flattened buds that often sit off-center on the twig; the margin of each scale has a black band (Fig. -5R). White mulberry buds are smaller and more domed in the middle, and they usually sit along the center of the twig. The tip of each white mulberry bud is short and needle sharp, and each bud scale has a brown band which is not necessarily on the margin(Fig. -5L). There is usually a color difference in the twigs of the two species as well. Red mulberry twigs are very pale tan, while those of white mulberry tend to be pinkish-brown.

Red mulberry bark (Fig. 6) is grayish with flattened, scaly ridges. If inner bark is exposed, it tends to be tan-colored. White mulberry bark has thick, braiding ridges that are tannish-brown (Fig. 7). The yellowish inner bark is nearly always exposed between ridges.

The fruit of mulberry technically known as a drupe; it is juicy, sweet, flavorful, and a delight of summer. It is relished by many birds and mammals, including humans. Red mulberry fruit is generally larger (>1 inch) (Fig. 8) and sweeter than white (3⁄4 inch), and since it is almost always found in shady, wooded areas where it produces a sparse fruit crop. Single fruits hang along the twig, in contrast to the clusters of abundant, axillary fruit usually present on white mulberry. Red mulberry fruit is always nearly black when ripe, while those of white mulberry (Fig. 9) may be white, red, or deep purple. Individuals that produce fruit that is white when ripe are very uncommon. Both species produce fruit in mid-June into July. Most trees produce fruit, but some are single sex (dioecious), with males producing no fruits and females needing proximate trees for pollination.



Further Reading
Red and White Mulberry in Indiana, Purdue University ^pdf
A Mess of Muddled Mulberries, Kentucky Plants, Atlas of Ferns and Flora ^pdf



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