Mulberry weed - Fatoua villosa (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Distribution, Images, Control)

Mulberry weed

Also known as: Fat weed, Crabweed

Mulberry weed (Fatoua villosa) is a plant species native to Asia. Mulberry weed has become invasive in the eastern United States. Since this plant grows inside greenhouses, the mulberry weed is believed to have been spread invasively by horticultural material.

Scientific classification

Species

Mulberry weed (Fatoua villosa)

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

30 cm to 80 cm

Plant Height

30 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

5 mm

Flower Size

White

Fruit Color

White, Cream, Purple, Brown

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Mulberry weed

Distribution of Mulberry weed

Distribution Map

Mulberry weed is a plant primarily indigenous to temperate and tropical regions across East and Southeast Asia. It has since spread to parts of North America and Europe, where it is recognized as an introduced species. The plant's capacity for naturalization has facilitated its establishment beyond its native range, although it is not typically cultivated.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Disturbed areas, flowerbeds, greenhouses, agricultural fields

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Name Story

Mulberry weed: Fatoua villosa is an annual herb in the Moraceae (mulberry) family and It has become an invasive species in the Eastern United States where it grows in disturbed areas such as flowerbeds, greenhouses, and agricultural fields. Hence, it is called Mulberry weed.

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Weed Control

Mulberry weed has become invasive in the eastern U.S. and grows in habitats like agricultural fields and flowerbeds. It is a problem in nurseries, because it bears a close resemblance to seedling mulberry trees. The plant is on the invasive species list in California, Alabama Georgia, Kentucky and New Jersey. These plants produce a high volume of seeds. The plant has begun growing outside of gardens and has the potential to take the place of native woodland plants. To prevent spread, hand pull plants as quickly as possible before they flower or place a layer of mulch to stop seed growth.

How to Control It

The best season for the removal of mulberry weed is in the late spring or early summer, before the plant has had a chance to produce seeds. This is when the weed is easily identifiable yet hasn't reached full maturity.

Hand pulling: Wet the soil around mulberry weed to make it easier to pull out. Get a firm grip at the base of the plant and slowly pull it out, ensuring you remove the whole root to prevent regrowth.
Mulching: Smother mulberry weed by laying down a thick layer of mulch (about 2-3 inches) directly over the area where the plant is growing. This blocks sunlight and prevents the weed from photosynthesizing.
Solarizing: Solarize your soil to control mulberry weed. First, wet the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Then, cover the area with a clear plastic tarp and secure the edges with rocks or soil. Leave the plastic in place for 4 to 6 weeks during a hot part of the year. The heat will kill mulberry weed and many other weed seeds.
Vinegar spray: Mix one gallon of white vinegar with a couple of tablespoons of dish soap. Spray it directly onto the mulberry weed on a sunny day. The vinegar will rapidly dehydrate the plant and kill it.
Crowding: Plant fast-growing, competitive plants that can compete with mulberry weed for resources. Choose native species that are well-adapted to your local conditions.

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Quickly Identify Mulberry weed

Soft, hairy texture distinguishes mulberry weed in both stems and leaves.

Triangular leaves with toothed edges and prominent pinnate veins.

Purple flowers transition to dark brown, clustering delicately in leaf axils.

Distinctive three-angled achene fruit with explosive seed dispersal mechanism.

Erect stems covered in fine, short hairs, secreting milky sap when cut.

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Care Guide for Mulberry weed

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Mulberry weed thrives in moderate moisture conditions, requiring consistent soil moisture and weekly watering without waterlogging. With average drought tolerance, it adapts well to varying rainfall patterns, demonstrating resilience in diverse climate zones, making it suitable for outdoor gardens.

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Images of Mulberry weed

Distribution of Mulberry weed

Culture

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Mulberry weed

Care Guide for Mulberry weed

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