SelecTree: Tree Detail

PAPER MULBERRY
Broussonetia papyrifera

Broussonetia papyrifera Broussonetia papyrifera Broussonetia papyrifera Broussonetia papyrifera Broussonetia papyrifera Broussonetia papyrifera Broussonetia papyrifera Broussonetia papyrifera Broussonetia papyrifera Broussonetia papyrifera Broussonetia papyrifera Broussonetia papyrifera Broussonetia papyrifera Broussonetia papyrifera Broussonetia papyrifera

Photo Locations: Strybing Arboretum - San Francisco, CA, Kauai, HI and Lyon Arboretum - Honolulu, HI

General Notes

A small tree, with rough leaves introduced to Hawaii by Polynesians, and used to make high-quality textiles (Kapa cloth). It’s also useful in making paper, scrolls and screens, furniture and utensils, and root fibers that can be weaved into rope. Many modern papermakers regard paper mulberry as the highest quality fiber. It is propagated by cuttings. Broussonetiapapyrifera has a HPWRA (Hawaii Pacific Weed Risk Assessment) score of 3 (Low Risk), and the Plant Pono link is: https://plantpono.org/pono-plants/broussonetia-papyrifera/.

Native to China, Japan, Korea, Indochina, Burma, and India.

Trees may be referred to as male or female.

Family: Moraceae

Additional Common Names

PAPER MULBERRY, WAUKE

Tree Characteristics

Erect or Spreading with a High Canopy.

Rounded Shape.

Has Partly Deciduous foliage.

Height: 50 feet.

Width: 40 feet.

Growth Rate: 24 Inches per Year.

Longevity 40 to 150 years.

Leaves Ovate to Deeply Lobed, Medium to Light Green, Gold, Partly Deciduous.

Flowers Inconspicuous. Green. Flowers in Spring. Has either male or female flowers (dioecious). Trees may be sold as male or female.

Orange or Red Drupe, Small (0.25 - 0.50 inches), fruiting in Winter or Summer.

Bark Dark Brown or Light Gray, Furrowed, Ridged or Smooth.

Shading Capacity Rated as Dense in Leaf.

Shading Capacity Rated as Moderately Low out of Leaf.

Litter Issue is Wet Fruit.

Tree Site Conditions & Constraints

Sunset Zones 3 - 24; H1, H2.

USDA Hardiness Zones 6 - 10.

Exposure Full Sun.

Moist to Dry Soil.

Drought tolerant.

Clay, Loam or Sand Texture.

Highly Acidic to Highly Alkaline Soil pH.

Seaside Tolerance is Good in Mild Zone.

Pests & Disease Information

Resistant to Armillaria.

Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns

Branch Strength Rated as Medium Weak

Root Damage Potential Rated as Moderate.

Allergy Health Hazard.

Attracts Birds.

Cite this tree:
SelecTree. "Broussonetia papyrifera Tree Record." 1995-2020. Apr 6, 2020.
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/broussonetia-papyrifera >

This tree is not part of the SelecTree Nursery Connection. If you would like to see this tree listed, or know of a nursery that sells it, please contact us at ufei@calpoly.edu.