In younger portions, erect stems are round and hairy. Lower portions of the stem may become dark maroon in color.
Leaves are alternate, roughly triangular in outline with prominently toothed margins.
The leaf surface is glossy green and prominently veined. Petioles are about half as long as the leaf blade. Flower clusters are purple when young, fading to dark brown with age. Individual flowers are white to cream colored but are not persistent. Mulberry weed was introduced this century from eastern Asia.