Dangerous weed if not controlled

A deciduous tree to 15 metres tall native to eastern Asia with large, pale-green, variably shaped leaves, lobed leaves more frequent on fast-growing young plants. Leaves have a rough surface above, are fuzzy-downy below and have a finely serrated margin. Orange-red fruits are edible and sweet, but are too fragile to be commercialised. Flowering has produced severe pollen allergy. The bark’s very strong fibres are sometimes made into paper. This weed has taken hold in the upper Ithaca Creek catchment. This is disturbing because elsewhere, especially Islamabad, it is highly invasive. It is also prone to being blown down by high winds because of its shallow roots. It has an extremely sticky sap capably of staining clothes. After cutting, if not poisoned it will quickly coppice. This is a dangerous weed and a candidate for high priority removal. Another infestation was found in 2023 at Glenella Street Park on Fish Creek. While the infestation was dealt with, plants are continuing to propagate. See photo and caption below. It is now recognized as a declared pest and is not recommended for planting in Brisbane gardens. It is considered an invasive weed due to its rapid growth and ability to form dense thickets, potentially displacing native vegetation. Paper mulberry is not a prohibited or restricted invasive plant under the Queensland  Biosecurity Act 2014 but acknowleged that it could become a significant long-term problem if its spread is not controlled.

Distinctive bark of Paper Mulberry with saplings at back. An infestation next to Fish Creek at Glenella Street Park has proved to be difficult to eradicate. These trees were removed in January 2023 but seedlings were still popping up in July 2025.  Photo: Anne Jones

Leaves. Photo: Steve Paterson

Attacking the infestation in Ithaca Creek catchment in 2011. Photo: Steve Paterson