Botanical description and origin of the black mulberry (morus nigra)
The black mulberry, Also known as morus nigra, is a deciduous tree belonging to the Moraceae family, native to Western Asia and the Middle East, although today it is present in all temperate and Mediterranean climates. It is distinguished by its medium-sized size, reaching between 10 and 15 meters in height with a wide, dense, and spreading crown, which gives it great ornamental value as a shade tree in gardens, parks, and urban walkways.
Its bark is orange-brown, rough and scaly, peeling off in thick plates over the years. leaves Alternate, large, and with well-defined secondary veins, they have serrated edges, are rough to the touch on the upper surface, and have a hairy underside. In young shoots, they may be lobed, sometimes resembling fig leaves.
The flowers They are not very showy, grouped in inflorescences known as catkinsThe fruits, called blackberries because of their dark purple color when ripe, are elongated and juicy, measuring approximately 2 to 3 cm. Their flavor is sweet and sour and they are notable for their high vitamin content. Vitamin C.
General characteristics and differences with other mulberry trees
The black mulberry It is mainly differentiated from the white mulberry (Morus alba) and the red mulberry (Ulmus rubra) due to the dark color and larger size of its fruit, as well as its darker, hairy underside leaves. While white and red mulberries can have fruit that varies from white to red or black, black mulberries produce their characteristic and invariably dark mulberries. The leaves of morus nigra They are noticeably rough and have a coarser texture than their counterparts.
- Port and cup: The trunk of the black mulberry tree is generally short and sometimes curved, with long, divergent branches that form a rounded, irregular crown, ideal for providing shade.
- Resistance: It is a particularly hardy species that tolerates cold well and low temperatures, although less resistant than the white mulberry.
- Soils and adaptation: It thrives best in fresh, loose soils rich in organic matter, avoiding excessively arid, saline, or very compact soils.
Growing requirements: location, light and climate
For vigorous growth, the black mulberry tree requires certain essential care:
- Exhibition: It prefers full sun, although it can grow well in semi-shade. The more light it receives, the greater the production and quality of its fruit.
- Climate: It adapts to temperate and warm regions. It can tolerate relatively cold winters, but is not as resistant to extreme frost as the white mulberry.
- Wind: It tolerates wind well, allowing it to be used as a living windbreak in gardens and orchards.
Substrate and soil: how to achieve optimal development
The black mulberry tree thrives in soils fertile, cool, and well-drained. It is important to avoid saline soils or those with poor drainage, as excess moisture can cause root diseases.
- Soil texture: It prefers light substrates (clay, silty or sandy), deep and with abundant organic matter.
- pH: It adapts to soils with neutral or slightly acidic pH.
- Land preparation: Before planting, it is recommended to add organic amendments such as compost, cured manure, or humus to improve soil fertility and structure.
Irrigation: frequency and water care
The irrigations must be regular, especially during the initial stages of development and during periods of drought or intense heat. Once established, the tree shows some drought tolerance thanks to its deep root system, but prolonged periods without water negatively affect its overall health and fruit production.
- In dry climates: Increase watering frequency in summer, avoiding waterlogging.
- Potted: Closely monitor drainage to prevent root rot.
Fertilization and manure
The annual subscriber It is beneficial for stimulating growth and fruiting. It is recommended to apply compost, humus, or well-rotted manure during the fall. Well-established, mature trees require little additional fertilization, except in poor soils.
- Macronutrients: A balanced fertilizer (e.g. NPK 10-10-10) can be added in late winter.
- Organic material: It promotes moisture retention and enriches the soil with microorganisms, improving the overall health of the tree.
Pruning black mulberry trees: when and how to do it
The black mulberry tree needs training and maintenance pruning, especially during the first few years of life, to establish a broad, airy canopy. All interventions are carried out in winter, when the tree enters dormancy and sap is no longer actively flowing.
- Formation pruning: From a young age, it's recommended to prune the terminal buds of branches to encourage lateral branching and prevent the tree from becoming overly elongated. This contributes to a more leafy canopy.
- Maintenance: Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Thinning improves internal ventilation and prevents the development of fungal diseases.
- Rejuvenation pruning: As the tree ages, old branches can be cut to force new shoots to sprout from the base.
Reproduction and propagation of black mulberry
The multiplication of the black mulberry can be done by seed, cuttings or graft:
- By seeds: Plants grown from seed are more vigorous and adaptable. To do this, the seeds are extracted from ripe fruit, cleaned, and sown shallowly in moist, nutrient-rich soil. Germination takes between 2 and 3 weeks.
- By cuttings: Take 25-30 cm woody cuttings in late winter. Apply rooting hormone, plant in loose soil, and keep the surface moist. They usually take 6 weeks to root. This is the fastest method for multiplying specimens identical to the parent plant.
- By graft: It allows you to take advantage of robust root systems of old or wild trees, adding more productive varieties or those with better fruit.
Harvesting and preserving fruits
La fruit production It usually begins between 5 and 10 years after planting in seed specimens, while cuttings can produce earlier. Blackberries ripen in late spring or early summer and turn from white to red before reaching the characteristic black color at the end of ripening.
- Harvest: Ripe fruit is distinguished by its easy removal and staggered harvesting over several weeks. It is advisable to harvest early with a sheet or tarp to avoid stains and damage from falling.
- Conservation: As these fruits are very delicate, it is recommended to consume them fresh as soon as possible, or to prepare compotes, jams, syrups or liqueurs.
Pests, diseases and common problems
The black mulberry tree is resistant and rarely presents serious health problems. However, it can be affected by pests such as whitefly and mealybugs, especially in young trees. Treatments with horticultural oils or potassium soap can be effective without affecting the health of the tree or its surroundings.
- Fungal problems: Waterlogged soils can promote the development of root diseases.
- Estate: The root system is deep and expansive, so it should be planted away from infrastructure, roads, and pipes to avoid property damage.
Culinary, medicinal and popular uses of black mulberry
All the organs of the black mulberry tree can be used:
- FruitsEaten fresh, they have refreshing, tonic, and purifying properties. They are rich in pectin, vitamin C, calcium, and antioxidants such as anthocyanins. They are used in the production of jams, preserves, liqueurs, and medicinal syrups (astringent, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory).
- Leaves: They are little valued in silkworm breeding (Morus alba), but they can be used as fodder for livestock as a supplement in times of drought.
- Bark and rootsTraditionally used in natural medicine as a purgative and vermifuge. Leaf poultices are used for eczema and skin irritations.
- Wood: Its hardness and resistance make it suitable for cooperage, cabinetmaking and the making of rural utensils.
- Ornamental: Due to its dense, wide canopy, it is used to create shade in walkways and squares, as well as a windbreak in orchards and open gardens.
Recommendations for planting black mulberry in the garden
- Location: Move the tree away from structures, pipes, and pavements to avoid stains from falling fruit and problems with expanding roots.
- Plantation: Plant in a deep hole in autumn or spring. Space plants at least 5 meters apart.
- Early years: Ensure protection from extreme frost and regular watering until the tree is established.
To delve deeper into the aspects related to the mulberry tree care For information on its maintenance and care, we recommend consulting our specialized section. The black mulberry tree is a tree with great ornamental and productive qualities, requiring little maintenance and multiple traditional and current uses. Planting it in your garden means choosing a species with great longevity, easy care, and exquisitely healthy fruit that will also contribute to enriching the environment and biodiversity of the place where it's grown.