Broussonetia - Paper Mulberry
(Broussone'tia)
DESCRIPTION: These tall shrubs or small trees are natives to Northeastern Asia. Commonly known as Paper Mulberry, these plants have no relation to the true Mulberry tree (Morus), which produces edible berries. Paper Mulberry trees are vigorous-growing plants that can reach a height of 25 to 40 feet with a spread to match. These dense, round plants are good shade trees and they grow well in cities. The rough leaves are usually heart-shaped or lobed, but a variety of shapes are produced and they are often seen on the same branch. The green leaves are covered, on the underside, with white fuzz as well as the twigs. They grow one or more gray trunks that gnarl and twist with age. Paper Mulberries produces male and female, greenish-yellow flowers on separate trees. The male flowers are borne in 2- to 3-inch catkins and the females in small, round clusters. The females are followed by small, round, red fruits, which are eaten by birds. B. papyrifera is a vigorous tree that is hardy from New York to Florida. B. Kazinokii is a large shrub that can grow from 12 to 15 feet high. It is less hardy than B. papyrifera.
POTTING: Paper Mulberries will thrive in regular, deeply dug and manured soil, even one that has high alkalinity. Plant these trees in the fall or spring in a location with full sun exposure. It will tolerate heat and wind. Pruning, which is only necessary occasionally, should be done in autumn or winter and consists of cutting out weak, overcrowded twigs and shortening straggling branches.
PROPAGATION: These trees can self-seed easily. If male and female trees are grown near each other, they will produce many seedlings, which could become annoying. These trees also send up suckers from its roots, which should be cut away as soon as they appear to avoid growing a thicket. To increase your trees, cuttings of side shoots, 6 to 10 inches long, may be taken with a thin "heel" of the branch attached to the base. Insert these in light, sandy soil in a cold frame.
VARIETIES: B. papyrifera & var. cucullata, laciniata, variegated; B. Kazinokii.
B. papyrifera
B. papyrifera (leaf)
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