Paper Mulberry, Tapa Cloth Tree
Broussonetia papyrifera · Moraceae (Mulberry family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Lobed (palmately lobed with 3 to 5 distinct lobes) and cordate base
Margin
Serrate to finely toothed margins
Arrangement
Alternate, though sometimes appearing opposite or subopposite on vigorous young shoots
Venation
Palmate venation radiating from the base, featuring prominent yellowish-white veins and midribs
Key Features
Extremely soft, velvety undersides of leaves, sandpapery upper texture, milky sap in stems, and variable leaf shapes ranging from unlobed oval to deeply lobed (mitten-shaped or multi-lobed)
Description
Paper mulberry is a fast-growing deciduous tree or large shrub known for its soft, fuzzy leaves that often display polymorphic shapes on the same branch. It features smooth gray bark that becomes furrowed with age and produces inconspicuous flowers followed by sweet, reddish-orange aggregate fruits.
Habitat
Disturbed areas, forest edges, roadsides, and riverbanks; thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to a wide range of well-drained soils
Native Range
Native to eastern Asia including China, Japan, and Korea; widely introduced globally and considered invasive in parts of North America and Europe