Paper Mulberry

Scientific Name: Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L'Hér. ex Vent.
Synonym: Morus papyrifera, Papyrius papyriferus
Family: Moraceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 3-24
USDA: 7-12

Heat Tolerance: Good

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Northeastern Asia

Growth Habits: Small deciduous tree, fast growing, up to 50 feet tall (15 m), 40 feet wide (12 m), somewhat untidy looking; the leaves on the young tree are lobed, up to 12 inches long (30 cm); adult trees have smaller leaves, generally entire.

Watering Needs: Little water

Propagation: Suckers, heeled cuttings, self seeds if you have male and female trees close by

The Paper Mulberry is a good shade tree in difficult situations. In good soils and with plenty of water, it tends to sucker. It is considered invasive in Tennessee. The name "paper mulberry" comes from the fact that it yields a fine fiber from its inner bark used to make paper or Polynesian tapa cloth.

Blooming Habits:
This tree is dioecious. Both male and female trees have inconspicuous blossoms in mid-spring. The male flowers are long twisted catskins. The female trees bear small red fruits that are eaten by the birds. They are dry and unpalatable to humans