Paper mulberry
ExplorePlants
Paper mulberry
Broussonetia papyrifera
The paper mulberry tree is a tall tree with big, heart-shaped leaves. It's known for its soft bark that can be used to make paper and other crafts. This tree is fun to explore and can grow in many places!
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Paper mulberry has large, variable leaves, often lobed or heart-shaped, with a fuzzy texture and bright green color. Its bark is smooth, pale gray-brown, developing shallow fissures with age. In summer, it produces distinctive red-orange, spherical fruits that resemble spiky gumdrops.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyMoraceaeGenusBroussonetia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Before paper, ancient people used its bark to make super strong clothes and even currency!
Its leaves can come in many different shapes on the *same* tree, like a magic shapeshifter!
The Paper mulberry makes a sweet, juicy fruit that looks like a spiky red lollipop!
This tough tree is one of the fastest growing in the world, sometimes over 3 meters in a year!
Special abilities
Ability
Rapid Colonizer
Paper mulberry can quickly grow and spread, colonizing new areas rapidly thanks to its aggressive root system and ability to sprout easily from cuttings.
Ability
Pioneer Power
Paper mulberry has a remarkable ability to thrive in poor soils and disturbed sites, acting as a pioneer species that helps other plants grow later.
Ability
Fiber Factory
Paper mulberry can produce strong, fibrous bark that humans have used for millennia to make durable paper and textiles.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 500-2000 cm
- Spread
- 300-1000 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-8 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to early Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eats
Silkworm
Bombyx mori
Larvae feed on the leaves.
eaten by
European Starling
Sturnus vulgaris
Disperses seeds after eating the fruit.
eats
Rhesus macaque
Macaca mulatta
Macaques consume the fruits.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Fiber
This human use trait identifies species that yield natural fibers, used by humans for textiles, rope, paper, and other manufactured goods.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be careful not to climb too high in trees, and always ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Paper mulberry?
500-2000 cm
How wide does Paper mulberry spread?
300-1000 cm
How big are the flowers on Paper mulberry?
1-8 cm
When does Paper mulberry bloom?
Spring to early Summer
Is Paper mulberry edible?
Yes
Is Paper mulberry toxic?
None
What is Paper mulberry's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Paper mulberry pollinated?
Wind
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Zoo19 sightings14 species
Florida, US
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
You might spot Tricolored Heron, Roseate Spoonbill, and Wood Stork.
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Park6 sightings5 species
Mississippi, US
Vicksburg National Military Park
You might spot Prairie Nymph, Slender Vervain, and Whitemouth Dayflower.
View guide →
