Broussonetia papyrifera (Paper Mulberry)

Fast-growing, Broussonetia papyrifera (Paper Mulberry) is a deciduous tree or large shrub with a broad rounded crown. The foliage of large, gray-green, variably lobed leaves, up to 8 in. long (20 cm), is covered with soft furry hairs on the lower leaf surfaces, and turns yellow-green in the fall. Blooming in mid to late spring, male and female flowers are borne on separate plants (their pollen may trigger allergies). The male flowers are pale green with cream anthers produced in hanging catkins. The female flowers are borne in spherical clusters with long, pale purple stigmas. If pollinated, they are followed by sweet, edible orange fruit. The gray bark matures over time to gray brown with furrows. In its native lands, paper mulberry is used in paper making. In Hawaii and other parts of the South Pacific, its bark is used to make cloth. Tolerant of heat, humidity, drought and urban pollution, Paper Mulberry will easily spread to form thickets or colonies in optimum conditions. However, it is most valuable for impossible sites where choices are otherwise limited.

• Grows up to 40-50 ft. tall (12-15 m) and 30-40 ft. wide (9-12 m). Spreads, often aggressively, by root suckers and/or self-seeding.
• A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in most fertile, well-drained soils. Best sited in locations protected from strong winds.
• Generally pest free. Keep an eye out for canker and leaf spot.
• Propagate by seed sown in autumn, or by semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings, or by removing suckers.
• No routine pruning necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots.
• The invasive tendencies of this plant have resulted in its placement on the restricted tree lists for the States of Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
• Native to Japan, China.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.