Illinois Exotic Species:

paper mulberry Broussonetia papyrifera

Paper mulberry is a tree that may reach 40 feet in height. It has alternate, simple, deeply-lobed leaves that are hairy underneath. A true mulberry, the reddish, rounded fruits develop in July and August and are eaten by birds, which disperse the seeds. A native of China, it was brought to the United States and planted as an ornamental. The trees are fast-growing and very tolerant of drought and pollution. Trees are capable of invading open areas, riparian sites, and disturbed sites. Paper mulberry is found in the southern one-fourth of Illinois.

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