Broussonetia papyrifera (Paper mulberry)

Botanical name

Broussonetia papyrifera

Other names

Paper mulberry, Kapa

Genus

Broussonetia Broussonetia

Species

B. papyrifera - B. papyrifera is a rounded, suckering, borderline hardy, large deciduous shrub or small tree with ovate to deeply lobed, rough-hairy, finely-toothed, grey-green leaves, velvety beneath, and stout, pendent pale yellow to pale green catkins in late spring and early summer followed by edible, mulberry-like, orange-red fruit on female plants.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Rounded, Suckering

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Colour

Flower

Pale-yellow in Spring; Pale-yellow in Summer

Foliage

Grey-green in Spring; Grey-green in Summer; Grey-green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific diseases

Leaf spot , Canker

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 1 in late autumn or early winter when fully dormant to prevent sap from bleeding.

Propagation methods

Suckers, Semi-ripe cuttings, Seed, Hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Broussonetia papyrifera (Paper mulberry) will reach a height of 8m and a spread of 8m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Specimen tree, Drought Tolerant, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders

Cultivation

Grows in almost any well-drained, fertile soil in sun with shelter from strong winds. Tolerates dapple shade, heat, humidity, drought, and air pollution. Usually remains a large shrub in areas with cool summers. Tends to be invasive in introduced areas. F

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Broussonetia papyrifera (Paper mulberry)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Trichoferus campestris

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Longhorn beetle from Asia; now present in Eastern EU; which could potentially be a threat to ornamental and fruit trees if introduced to UK. Wooden packaging is likely to be the main pathway of entry. Initial PRA has not revealed a significant threat; but further evidence and information will be gathered to consider a further assessment; most likely through EPPO. Targeted monitoring will be carried out.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/