Here are some pics of a native to northern West Virginia and west central Ohio. All, I believe, are of the same species, from different locations and at varying stages of maturity. I am unsure if they are trees, shrubs, or weeds. Some folks told me they are Giant Ragweed, although I tend to disagree. The largest specimen I have observed is approximately 7-8 meters in height. The root system is shallow and horizontally wide-spread. I have usally found it on neglected parcels and growing on the roadside, but I have also found it in well maintained yards, as in the above photo of the one with the extremely dense foliage. Let me know if better photos are needed, I can find many more specimens in the Wheeling area. Thanks to all who wish to help me identify this plant.
You have a photo of a weeping White mulberry (Morus alba 'pendula') and the other photos appear to be mulberry as well but I don't know if they're white mulberry (introduced species) or red mulberry (native species...M. rubra) or a hybrid of the two. Simon
Mulberries are considered small trees. The variety 'pendula' is obviously vertically challenged and is grafted onto a normal mulberry...it is considered a shrub. If you grew 'pendula' on its own roots, it would be an excellent groundcover. As for the weed desgination. White mulberry is an introduced species, grows easily from seed and birds thoughtfully disperse the seeds everywhere. It is generally considered as a 'weed tree'. Red Mulberry, being native (and not quite so prolific), doesn't garner the same designation. Simon