Japanese paper mulberry (Broussonetia × kazinoki) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Japanese paper mulberry is an East Asian shrub whose bark supplies strong fiber for handmade paper. Its toothed leaves may be oval or three-lobed, even on the same plant.

Appearance

Growth form: It is a spreading deciduous shrub about 7–13 ft (2–4 m) tall.
Leaves: Toothed leaves may be oval or three-lobed.
Flowers: Small male and female flower heads are rounded.

Look-alikes

paper mulberryBroussonetia papyrifera

Paper mulberry usually has longer leaf stalks and hairier young shoots and leaf undersides. The generally has shorter stalks and less hair.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: cultivated plots
open edges
Range: This East Asian hybrid is grown for paper fiber in Korea and Japan.

Name and classification

About the name: The × in Broussonetia × kazinoki marks its hybrid origin. Older references sometimes applied Broussonetia kazinoki to dwarf paper mulberry (Broussonetia monoica).
Varieties and forms: A cultivated selection with patterned leaves has also been distributed.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: In Japan, the cultivated plant is called kōzo.

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