Paper Mulberry
Broussonetia papyrifera
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 730B — Broussonetia papyrifera
Broussonetia papyriferaBroussonetia papyriferaBroussonetia papyriferaBroussonetia papyriferaBroussonetia papyriferaBroussonetia papyriferaBroussonetia papyriferaBroussonetia papyriferaBroussonetia papyriferaBroussonetia papyriferaBroussonetia papyriferaBroussonetia papyriferaBroussonetia papyriferaBroussonetia papyrifera
IOverview
Overview
Paper Mulberry, scientifically known as Broussonetia papyrifera, is a deciduous tree native to regions including Assam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, and Vietnam. This plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate various soil types, from light sandy to heavy clay, making it adaptable but preferring dry to moist conditions. It grows up to 9 meters tall and is known for its edible parts, which include flowers, fruit, and leaves. Native to the aforementioned areas, Paper Mulberry has been cultivated for paper production due to its fibrous bark, though it also serves as an ornamental plant in some regions.
Quick answers
What is Paper Mulberry?
Paper Mulberry, scientifically known as Broussonetia papyrifera, is a deciduous tree native to regions including Assam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, and Vietnam.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Paper Mulberry thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. It prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. Hardy in zones 6-11, this plant grows up to 9 meters tall. For propagation, you can use seeds or cuttings. The edible parts include flowers, fruit, and leaves.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-11
Mature size
9.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Paper Mulberry for the first time
8steps
Start with Paper Mulberry as a simple, low-maintenance tree for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Paper Mulberry seeds or young plants, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Paper Mulberry in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure it gets full sun.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground after danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, transplant young plants into your garden.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering during dry periods. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young trees to establish a strong structure. Harvest leaves, flowers, and fruits as desired for crafts or food.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poor soil, neglecting winter protection in colder zones.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersFruitLeaves
Edible uses: The Paper Mulberry's flowers, fruits, and leaves are edible. The leaves can be eaten fresh or cooked in various dishes. Fruits are often consumed raw but can also be dried for later use. Flowers may be used in salads or prepared as a tea.
Other uses:FiberAnimal feedLeathertextilesLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
15 native · 15 introduced
Distribution
15 native · 15 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 15 native· 15 introduced
Asia10 regions
native (10)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaLaosMyanmarSouth KoreaTaiwanThailandVietnam
Oceania1 region
introduced (1)New Caledonia
Broader regions
native:Hainan
introduced:Kentucky, Kansas, Easter Is., Jawa, Iowa, District of Columbia, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Nansei-shoto, Nebraska, New Guinea, New Jersey, Massachusetts
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 730bd92e-4b0a-4327-82ef-ecfdd44bc4d9
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