Paper Mullberry

Broussonetia papyrifera (broo-soh-NEH-she-uh pap-ih-RIFF-er-uh)

Family: Moraceae Non-native Canopy (>40 ft)

Paper mulberry is a medium to large, hardy, and fast growing deciduous tree in the Moraceae (mulberry) family. Typically found in thickets, mountain ravines, and forests of its native China. The genus name honors Pierre Auguste Marie Broussonet (1761-1807), a French physician and naturalist. The specific epithet comes from the Egyptian word papyrus meaning paper and the Latin word ferre meaning to bear in reference to its use in making paper. It has a round and spreading crown and in the wild matures to a height of 50 feet. However, in cultivation it is more typically a shrub. Paper Mulberry grows best in fertile, well-drained soil in a sheltered location with full sun. It also tolerates some shade, nutritionally poor soil, and is drought resistant once established. Because it has a shallow root system and has been known to topple over, causing erosions of banks and other soil problems. The plant propagates easily by seeds, cuttings, or root suckers. The tree can be weedy and fast-growing, spreading aggressively by means of root suckers, but it can be pruned when dormant (late fall or early winter) to control growth. Fruit-bearing female trees, in particular, can be invasive, competing with native species, and have been placed on lists of restricted trees in several states, including Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. The tree is sometimes planted as a street or yard tree, but other tree selections should be considered. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Weedy, with invasive tendencies, this species is considered invasive by the NC Invasive Plant Council. The pollen from male plants can cause allergic reactions.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 60 attributes.