Pipturus argenteus

Common Names

Native Mulberry, Australian Mulberry

Summary

Native Mulberry is a subtropical Australian shrub or small tree, typically 3–6 m tall, with spreading branches. Leaves are elliptic, dark green above with a densely silvery underside; white flowers form in small clusters, and white, mulberry-like fruits about 6 mm in diameter are edible; the plant is dioecious, with male and female plants separate and fruit produced by females. Native to coastal and rainforest margins, it thrives in disturbed habitats and rainforest regrowth from sea level to about 900 m, with the silvery leaf underside a distinctive feature.

Cultivation and uses: prefers semi-shade and moist, well-drained soils; frost is a risk when young. It is fast-growing and useful as screening or restoration plant and responds well to pruning; propagation is by fresh seed or cuttings. Practical uses include bark fibre for nets and rope, edible fruit, and it serves as a host plant for butterflies and other insects; various parts have traditional medicinal uses.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

9 ft 10 in – 26 ft 3 in

Spread

9 ft 10 in – 16 ft 5 in

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall, and Winter

Foliage Color

Green on the upper surface; silvery underside.

Growth Rate

Fast-growing

Seasons of Interest

Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies, other pollinators, birds