paper-mulberry

Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L'Hér. ex Vent.

Description from Invasive.org

Appearance
Broussonetia papyrifera is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that grows up to 50 ft. (15.2 m) in height. It invades disturbed areas throughout the eastern United States. The tree crown is broad and rounded with wide-spreading branches. Winter twigs have a "fuzzy" appearance.
Foliage
Broussonetia papyrifera leaves are highly variable in size (3-10 in. [7.6-25.4 cm]), shape, and arrangement. Shape ranges from heart-shaped and entire to multi-lobed and highly dissected. The leaves are usually alternate, but they can also be found whorled or opposite. Leaves are very fuzzy with coarsely serrated margins. The sap is milky-white and freely flows from cut surfaces.
Flowers
Flowering occurs in the spring, when female flowers form in globose heads and male flowers develop in catkins.
Fruit
Fruits are red to orange, globose and 1-1.6 in. (3-4 cm) in diameter.
Ecological Threat
Broussonetia papyrifera quickly invades disturbed areas and can be found along forest edges, old fields, and roads where it displaces native vegetation. Due to a shallow root system, the trees are often susceptible to being blown down in high winds. Broussonetia papyrifera is native to Asia where it was used to produce paper. It was introduced into North America in the early 1900s and has been widely planted as an ornamental.

Resources


Selected Images from Invasive.org

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Foliage Close-up of leaf
Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
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Foliage
Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
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Flower(s) Male inflorescences
Gerald D. Carr, Carr Botanical Consultation, Bugwood.org
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Foliage
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
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Flower(s)
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
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Feature(s) buds
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
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Bark
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
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Foliage
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
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Sapling(s)
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
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Tree(s)
Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
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Tree(s)
Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
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Plant(s) habit Hana Hwy
Forest and Kim Starr, Starr Environmental, Bugwood.org
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Seed(s)
Steve Hurst, USDA NRCS PLANTS Database, Bugwood.org
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Fruit(s)
Amy Richard, University of Florida, Bugwood.org
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Plant(s) Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 1: 632.
USDA NRCS PLANTS Database , USDA NRCS PLANTS Database, Bugwood.org
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Distribution