Mulberry Tree: Benefits, How to Grow and Maintain

Mulberry tree is a medium-sized deciduous tree that yields little, sweet fruits in summer. The red mulberry (Morus rubus) is indigenous to eastern North America and the white mulberry (Morus alba) was originally indigenous to China. This tree, which was once only found in China, is now grown around the world, including in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa.

Source: Pinterest

See also: Strawberry tree: How to grow and care for it?

Mulberry tree:  Key facts

Mulberry tree: Physical description

Mulberry trees are large, deciduous trees that feature distinguished, attractive bark.

The bark is a pale grey or pale brown colour with narrow, shallow furrows that create an attractive pattern. The trunk of a mulberry tree is usually short, stout and twisted with thick roots. The branches often have an attractive rounded shape and are covered with glossy dark green leaves with serrated edges. In the autumn, the foliage becomes yellow and orange. The flowers are small and inconspicuous but are followed by small, dark purple fruits that look strikingly similar to blackberries which ripen in the late summer.

Source: Pinterest

Mulberry tree: How to grow?

Mulberry trees can be grown easily in the right conditions. Mulberry trees are simple to grow from seed and by rooted semi-hardwood branch cuttings, as seen by the profusion of self-seeding they produce.

You can dry the fruits you take from the tree to get seeds for planting. Since these plants develop swiftly and can quickly reach a size that is too enormous for most containers, container culture is unusual for them.

To plant the seed or a cutting, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as and as deep as the root ball. Then place the cutting or seed in the hole and fill in the soil. During the first growing season, water the plant frequently.

Mulberry trees are relatively low maintenance and require very little pruning. Therefore, prune during early winter to control growth and then in the late fall or winter to maintain a desired shape. Fertilise in spring with a balanced fertiliser to boost growth. Protect the tree from strong winds with a windbreak. Harvest the berries when they are ripe.

Mulberry tree: How to maintain?

Light

Although, as with many fruiting trees, more light yields more fruit, mulberry plants may flourish in both full sun and partial shade environments.

Soil

As long as the soil composition can maintain adequate drainage, mulberry trees can tolerate clay, loam, and sandy soil with some ease. The pH range that the trees can tolerate is from neutral to slightly acidic.

Water

To help facilitate the growth of a robust root system, water your mulberry tree deeply and frequently after planting; two to three gallons per week for the first year is advised. After they are established, mulberry trees can withstand short periods of drought, but extended dry spells can reduce fruit production or cause the unripe berries to fall off early.

Fertiliser

Although they can benefit from a yearly application of fertiliser, mulberry trees frequently grow fairly well without fertilisation. Use a balanced 10-10-10 combination to fertilise your tree once in late winter, measuring 0.5 kg of fertiliser for every inch of the trunk’s diameter.

Pruning

This tree doesn’t require routine pruning, but damaged or crossed shoots should be removed in the late fall or winter while the tree is dormant to prevent sap loss.

Mulberry tree: Uses

• Mulberry trees have a multitude of uses. The tree’s leaves and sap can be used medicinally to reduce inflammation and various risk factors for diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses.
• The bark from the tree can be used to make dyes, rope and paper.
• The fruit of mulberry trees can be eaten fresh or used to make jams, jellies, juices, syrup and even wine.
• The leaves of the mulberry tree are frequently used to make tinctures and herbal teas, which are common health beverages in Asian countries.
• The wood of the tree is strong, lightweight and decay-resistant, making it perfect for furniture and other wood-based products.
• In addition, the tree itself can provide shade for homes and gardens.

Mulberry tree: Toxicity

Mulberry trees are not known to be toxic to humans or animals, but some parts of the tree can cause skin irritation. Unripe mulberries contain a compound called glycoside, which can cause nausea, vomiting, or stomach irritation. Ingestion of large amounts of mulberry leaves can also cause stomach discomfort. The tree’s leaves and other parts contain latex, a milky white sap that is mildly toxic to people and can cause skin rashes, itching, and even blistering in more severe cases.

FAQs