Question

Tree Branch  

Tree   I live in southern Ontario, Canada.  I have two trees in my yard that a neighbour is convinced are poison oak and wants them removed, however in the research I've been doing I don't believe they are poison oak, but may be fruitless mulberry.  Your assistance in identifying these trees would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
You are correct they are mulberry. Poison oak is a deciduous plant with a woody stalk which takes one of two forms depending on whether it is growing by itself in the open or is sheltered by trees or structures. In the open, it appears as a bushy shrub which can reach a maximum of 6 feet (2 metres) in height. In sheltered areas, it is more vinelike supporting itself by clinging to nearby trees, fences or structures and growing much taller.

In general, leaves are composed of three leaflets although leaves of five, seven or nine leaflets are possible as well. In all cases, the stem of the central leaflet is longest. Leaves are notched or toothed and dark green with a paler underside.

Mulberry has single leaves not compound leaves with leaflet. Yours is single and mulberry.