Leaf: Alternate, simple, roughly orbicular in shape, 3 to 5 inches long with a serrate margin. Leaves may be 0 to 3-lobed, (sometimes more). Leaves are papery, with white fibers apparent when torn.

Flower: Normally dioecious, small, green, male flowers are hanging catkins, 1 to 2 inches long. Female flowers, also catkins, are 1 inch long.

Fruit: Resembling blackberries, cylindrical, 1 to 1 1/4 inches long, fleshy multiples of drupes, each containing a small seed. Maturing June to August.

Twig: Slender, zigzag, green changing to red-brown. Twigs are often pubescent. Buds are covered with brown-margined overlapping scales. Silvery-white filaments when broken.

Bark: Reddish-brown and quite irregular with long ridges. Younger trees are often orangish, especially when wet.

Form: A small tree, with a short trunk that branches low.

Copyright (c) 2001 Santee-Wateree Resource Conservation and Development Council.
This page was last updated on October 29, 2001.

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