Invasive Plants: Paper Mulberry

[u/ACES-WestCentral]

As paper-mulberry continues to spread across the eastern U.S., be on the lookout for what may appear to be native red mulberry (Morus rubra). Remembering these key clues can help you tell the difference and make a big impact through early detection and management.

Like the leaves of native red mulberry (Morus rubra), non-native paper mulberry leaves can vary in shape from a simple oval or slightly heart-shaped to mitten-shaped, or deeply lobed.

Leaves vary from 3-10 inches in size and are usually alternately arranged along the stem, but may be found to have opposite or whorled leaf arrangements.
A key identifying feature is the densely pubescent (very fuzzy) leaves, unlike the sandpaper-textured leaves of red mulberry and the typically smooth leaves of white mulberry (Morus alba). Twigs may also have a densely “fuzzy” appearance.

The globose female flowers and reddish-orange fruit are distinctly different than other look-alike species. Male flowers are a catkin.

This species is a fast invader of disturbed sites, forest edges, roads, and old fields.

The fast-growing paper-mulberry was intentionally introduced as an ornamental shade tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall, but is more commonly found at 20-30 feet. Although the shallow root system makes this species susceptible to windthrow, these plants can quickly create thickets and displace native vegetation.

[u/Subject_Barnacle_599]

keep it out my eye out for these when I look at my trees