Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas

Swearingen, J., K. Reshetiloff, B. Slattery, and S. Zwicker. 2002. Plant Invaders of
Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas. National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 82 pp.

Shirley Denton

Paper mulberry, an ornamental tree in the mulberry family (Moraceae), is native to Japan and Taiwan and was introduced for its use as a fast-growing shade tree. Native Pacific cultures use it to make bark cloth. It is found from Illinois to Massachusetts, south to Florida and west to Texas. Paper mulberry invades open habitats such as forest and field edges and its vigorous growth leads to displacement of native plant species. Its shallow root system makes it susceptible to blow over during high winds. It spreads by seed and vegetative growth.

Prevention and Control
Don't plant paper mulberry. Seedlings can be pulled by hand and shrubs can be cut to the ground, repeating as necessary to control any re-growth from sprouts. Application of the herbicide triclopyr to the bark has been successful. Similar looking native trees include red mulberry (Morus rubra), American basswood (Tilia americana) and sassafras (Sassafras albidum).

Native Alternatives
red maple (Acer rubrum), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

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