La fruitless mulberry o Morus Alba is one of those trees that you can plant in your garden without worrying too much about them. It grows fast and gives a good shade, it is not too demanding in terms of care, and it has a particularity that makes it unique: it does not give blackberries.
Since it does not have blackberries, they will not end up on the ground, which is very practical, because the blackberry is a fruit that is quite dirty and, in addition, it can become dangerous if you step on it, since its juice slips. So if you are thinking of design your dream gardenKeep this tree in mind.
Characteristics of the fruitless mulberry
Here are some of the highlights of this tree. Surely, when you get to know it a little better, it will become one of your favorites for the garden.
absence of fruit
Without a doubt, what most attracts the attention of the fruitless mulberry is that it does not have berries. You will not be able to enjoy this delicious fruit, but nor will you have to be aware that the blackberries do not fall from the tree and put everything lost.
Ornamental tree
It is not really a fruit tree, so we are dealing with a purely ornamental variety. Have a very thick foliage and its large deep green leaves invite you to sit under it during the hot summer days, to enjoy the shade it produces.
attracts wildlife
Together, we can take better care of the ecosystem. A good way to do this is by planting fruitless mulberry trees. Although it does not produce fruit, this tree is very attractive to wildlife. Among its foliage it is easy to find from small birds to butterflies. In fact, its leaves are the main food of the famous silkworms.
Care and maintenance of fruitless mulberry
It is a tree that does not need much maintenance, and the care it requires is very similar to that of other mulberry varieties.
- Location. Despite not being a fruit tree, the fruitless mulberry is a great sun lover. Try to put it in a place where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
- I usually. This tree prefers soils rich in organic matter, better if they are slightly alkaline or neutral. Of course, it is essential that the soil has a good drainage capacity so that it can eliminate excess moisture.
- Irrigation. During its first year of life this tree requires regular watering for its roots to establish themselves. Afterwards, it becomes a very resistant variety to drought and an occasional watering is sufficient.
- You prune. Pruning is especially important during the first years of the tree's life, because it helps to give it the shape it will take as it grows. When the tree has matured, it is enough to do some minimal pruning to maintain its shape and remove branches that may be damaged.
- Fertilization. One of the strengths of this variety is that it is perfectly capable of extracting all the nutrients it needs from the soil. However, if at any time you notice that it no longer grows as fast as before, or that its leaves are yellowish, you can apply a specific compost or fertilizer for fruit trees in spring.
- Plagues and diseases. The fruitless mulberry is a very resistant tree against pests and diseases. However, it is not immune to everything, so you should check it from time to time. Take a look at its leaves and the trunk to check that there are no excess insects or signs that something is wrong.
- winter protection. If your tree is planted in a region with cold winters, apply a layer of mulch to provide warmth to the roots, and protect the crown with a thick blanket or cloth. This is especially important during the first years of the tree's life. Then it gets strong, adapts, and may not need these precautions anymore, although it never hurts to give it a little protection in winter.
Medicinal properties of the fruitless mulberry
This tree is being studied because it is believed that it could have medicinal properties, especially its leaves and roots, where there are important bioactive components.
Although it is not yet possible to speak with total certainty of its medicinal properties because there are no conclusive studies, what is known is that it has the potential to develop healthy effects in the human body:
- antioxidant effect. Like many plants, the fruitless mulberry is rich in flavonoids and anthocyanins, which neutralize the action of free radicals and therefore have an antioxidant action. For this reason, its possible use is being studied when it comes to regenerating damaged cells and tissues.
- anti-inflammatory effect. Some research has shown that extracts from this plant reduce inflammation, and its use in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions is being evaluated.
- hypoglycemic effect. Certain compounds from this tree could help reduce blood sugar levels, which is why studies are being carried out for a possible complementary use in the usual treatment of diabetes.
- Cardioprotective effect. Some of its compounds could help reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart function. If the studies carried out are conclusive, the fruitless mulberry could become a great ally in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Why put a fruitless mulberry in your garden?
In case everything we have seen so far has not convinced you, here are some more arguments for this tree to be in your garden, either planted in the ground or in a pot:
- Promotes biodiversity. It attracts wildlife that will help to take better care of your garden and make it more beautiful.
- Endures the droughts. You can have your beautiful tree even if you are in an area with water restrictions due to drought.
- It does not produce waste. It doesn't throw its blackberries on the ground, because it doesn't have them, so you won't have to clean up waste or worry about certain insect pests.
- Its care is simple. If you want to have a tree that attracts attention, but does not take up your time with its care, this is the perfect option.
The fruitless mulberry is one of the best choices for your garden.. Go ahead and make a hole for it and surely you will not regret it. Can you tell us in the comments about your experience with this tree?