Broussonetia papyrifera aka Paper Mulberry

Broussonetia papyrifera is the scientific name for paper mulberry. It belongs to the mulberry family. This tree or large shrub grows fast and sheds its leaves each year. Kew places its native range from India to Korea and Indo-China. It grows in forests, thickets, and ravines in the mountains. It has spread beyond gardens in parts of the eastern United States. Its broad, round crown can shade streets and yards. RHS gives garden height and spread as 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. Other sources report trees reaching 40–50 feet [12–15 metres]. In suitable climates, some exceed 66 feet [20 metres].

The bark starts gray and turns gray-brown with age. Old bark forms grooves. New shoots have reddish-brown hairs. The dull green leaves range from oval to lobed or mitten-shaped. Most leaves grow in turns along the stems, an alternate pattern. Each leaf has toothed edges and can reach eight inches. The upper face feels rough; hairs cover the lower face. Leaves turn yellow or yellow-green before they fall.

Male and female flowers grow on separate trees in April and May. Male trees bear pale green flowers in hanging groups called catkins. Female trees bear round flower heads, then fruit in summer. Sources call the round fruit clusters orange or purple-red. Birds eat the fruit and carry seeds to new sites. People eat the fruit raw and cook the leaves. PFAF also lists flowers as safe to eat. It gives no details on how to prepare them. It warns that eating fruit for a long time may weaken bones.

Paper mulberry grows best in rich soil that drains well. It prefers full sun but can cope with some shade. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and a wide pH range. Once settled, plants resist drought, heat, damp air, and city pollution. RHS rates it H5. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 6–9. Its shallow roots make it prone to wind damage. A sheltered site helps reduce this risk. Prune when growth rests in late fall or early winter. This helps limit bleeding.

Bark fibre provides material for paper, cloth, and rope. Folk medicine also uses several parts of the plant. This does not prove that these uses are safe or helpful. Root suckers and seeds let the plant form dense groups. Female trees can invade nearby land and crowd out native plants. Northern Ireland bans its sale and planting. Pollen from male trees can cause allergies. NC State lists it as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Serious pest problems are rare. Still, canker, leaf spot, and root rot can occur.