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Paper Mulberry

Broussonetia papyrifera

Found in urban lots, disturbed areas, roadsides. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), Florida edition What its natural habitat tells you

-55
Severe harm

Not native to Florida. How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 82%

Height
40–50 feet
Spread
30–40 feet
Light
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil moisture
Dry to moist
See native alternatives

Do not plant. Listed invasive in Florida.

Plant this instead

Choose your county to list local plants first.

  • Blackjack Oak
    Quercus marilandica

    Sun: Full sun. Soil: Somewhat dry to moist. Flowers: Yellow or green.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

  • Bluejack Oak
    Quercus incana

    Sun: Full sun, Partial shade. Soil: Dry to somewhat dry. Flowers: Yellow or green.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

  • Bluff Oak
    Quercus austrina

    Sun: Full sun. Soil: Usually moist. Flowers: Brown/copper or yellow.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

Refine these alternatives in the finder

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At a glance

Life cycle
Woody perennial
Leaves
Deciduous
Bloom
April to May

Recorded in 46 Florida counties.

Natural habitats

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

Roadsides, fields and disturbed ground

Ground opened by people: roadsides, old fields, pastures, fencerows and lots.

All habitats

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

—CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including FL
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim
Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Moraceae
Hardiness
Zones 6a–11b
Soil pH
Acidic to alkaline
Flower color
Yellow, green, orange or red

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope

Conservation status

Florida rankSNA
Global rankGNR
FL statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Sources