Broussonetia is not common in horticulture, but it is present in Sacramento, so I have included it for completeness. There are three species, but only one, B. papyrifera (paper mulberry) is present in any real numbers outside of Asia. These trees are not true mulberries, which belong to the genus Morus, but are close relatives.
Paper mulberry has been cultivated for thousands of years because it produces high-quality fiber used in the creation of cloth and paper. It also reportedly produces edible fruits and greens, though I have not tried them myself.
An incredibly adaptable tree, it has been introduced almost everywhere and can be found growing wild across most of moist temperate and tropical regions of the world. In some areas, it is a serious invasive species, but in California it does not seem to be present in large numbers, probably because of our dry climate.
Though a useful and adaptable plant, I would like to evaluate its potential for causing ecological harm before commenting on its use in urban forestry.
Paper mulberry has been cultivated for thousands of years because it produces high-quality fiber used in the creation of cloth and paper. It also reportedly produces edible fruits and greens, though I have not tried them myself.
An incredibly adaptable tree, it has been introduced almost everywhere and can be found growing wild across most of moist temperate and tropical regions of the world. In some areas, it is a serious invasive species, but in California it does not seem to be present in large numbers, probably because of our dry climate.
Though a useful and adaptable plant, I would like to evaluate its potential for causing ecological harm before commenting on its use in urban forestry.