Broussonetia papyrifera
paper mulberry
A deciduous tree or large shrub with grey-green, hairy leaves, variably lobed and about 20cm long. Male flowers are pale green with cream anthers produced in 7cm long hanging catkins. Female flowers in spherical clusters have long, pale purple stigmas and, if fertilised, are followed by sweet, edible orange fruit
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream Green Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | Orange | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Moraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Suckering
- Genus
Broussonetia are deciduous trees and shrubs with alternate leaves, and male and female flowers borne on separate plants
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S, SE Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Will only survive in mild areas, but will grow in almost any well-drained soil, in full sun with shelter from wind. Where summers are hot enough to ripen wood, will mature as a tree, otherwise remains shrubby
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in autumn, or by semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings, or by removing suckers
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Susceptible to canker and leaf spot
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