The leaves of mulberry weed are papery, ranging from triangular to heart-shaped. They are typically 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long and 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) wide. The leaves display a vibrant green color and possess a slightly rough texture. The veins are distinctly prominent, forming a pinnate pattern. Edges are serrated with fine teeth, adding to the leaf's textured surface. These leaves grow alternately along the stem, contributing to the characteristic appearance of mulberry weed.

The flowers of mulberry weed are arranged in feathery clusters, featuring both pistillate (female) and staminate (male) flowers within the same cymes. Each cyme is subtended by a thin bract. The flowers are small, typically less than 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter, with greenish-white hues. The arrangement might give a delicate and fuzzy appearance, enhancing their aesthetic appeal. They emit a mild scent and generally bloom from late spring to early autumn, contributing to their ease of identification.

The stems of mulberry weed are erect and densely covered with fine, short hairs, giving them a distinctly hairy texture. When cut, these stems can secrete a milky sap. They are typically green to reddish-green in color, and they vary in thickness but are generally slender, averaging around 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter. The branching pattern is often sparse, with branches emerging at wide angles from the main stem. These features are integral for identifying mulberry weed.

The fruit of mulberry weed is a distinctive three-angled achene, notable for its specialized means of seed dispersal. This achene, often less than 0.2 inches (5 mm) in size, bears a textured exterior and matures to a brown hue. Its most remarkable trait is the explosive release mechanism that propels seeds away from the parent plant, aiding in its proliferation. The fruit’s angular shape, coupled with the dynamic seed ejection process, is a key characteristic for species recognition by novices.