Morus Nigra

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Moraceae

Order

Rosales

Genus

Morus

Species

nigra

Description

Robust, fast-growing and rather free-forming tree; renowned for its rusticity and vigour. Medium-sized plant with an irregular open habit and deep yellow autumn colouring of the ornamental foliage. Open round crown, shiny light green leaves and insignificant flowering. Red or dark red edible fruits.
Excellent adaptability to various soil types and growing environments, including urban climates. Requires a sunny exposure and tolerates partly shady areas. It develops a medium-deep root system with many secondary roots, allowing it to be easily rooted when planted. Prefers clay and sandy soils, but grows well in all soil types.
Multifunctional tree, suitable for park areas, urban avenues, gardens, roof gardens, landscape use for territorial green systems. Resistant to pathogens and pruning, which must be oriented towards maintaining the shape while respecting the architecture of the foliage. Highly resistant to water stress and summer drought. To be considered for seaside coastal areas.

Origin and distribution

A native species of western and southwestern Iran, already widely distributed in antiquity in Europe as a fruit tree.

Leaf

Leaf has Cuoriform lamina, with toothed margin and slightly rough upper page.

Fruit

The fruit has an elongated shape and is classified as blackberry. The thickness of the skin measures 1 mm, while the texture is tender. The skin is smooth and the colouring is variegated. Ripening takes place from early summer to late summer. The taste is mild, with a sweet flavour and a fruity aroma, while it is not perfumed.

Flowering period

from early spring to late spring for a duration of 15 to 25 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence spike.

Leaf colour

Shiny green unicolour tones that turn to a deep yellow in a scenic autumnal foliage.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 3 to 5 m, representing a second-sized tree.

Lifespan

Polyennial deciduous plant.

Where to plant

Multifunctional tree, suitable for flowerbeds , gardens and parks, large flowerbeds and road roundabouts, open field.

Suitable for park areas, urban boulevards, gardens, roof gardens, landscape use for territorial green systems.

Stem

It has a woody stem with wrinkled bark with longitudinal stripes; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a tubular corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in spike-like inflorescences of medium size. It flowers from early spring to late spring, with a flowering period of between 15 and 25 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Long-lived, Medium-vigorous Growth tree.

Plant habit

It is characterised by an erect habitus with an enlarged rounded crown.

Branching

It develops abundant branching giving the foliage high density.

PH

It requires a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Soil preparation

Before winter transplanting, choose the most suitable location in relation to the plant's needs. Remove any weeds and bulky pebbles and evenly bury organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser to ensure the nutrients the plant needs in the early post-transplant phase. If the soil is too heavy and poorly draining, sand should also be added.

Sun exposure

It requires full sun exposure and tolerates partially shaded areas.

Ideal climate and temperature

It adapts well to hot summer as well as cold winter climates. The ideal temperature is between 0.0 and 30 °C.

Use

Its developed habit and the scenic autumnal colouring of its foliage make it very popular as a tree in the following areas of use:

Outdoor Landscape Design Landscaping Environmental consolidation plants Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

Ahighly rustic plant, it is resistant to water stress and summer drought.

Soil

It adapts to different soil conditions, however, for best vegetative Growth the soil must be structured and endowed with organic substance.

Difficulty

Following proper planting at the new site, the cultivation of Black Mulberry is easy, requiring a low level of maintenance effort.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation indications

Balanced fertilisation Plant that adapts very well to cold winter climates, and also thrives in frozen soil conditions. Requires little but regular fertilisation Exposure to direct light Correct pruning

Planting

For transplanting, adopt an average density of 1500 plants/ha, choosing healthy specimens, free from abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Always identify the planting site a priori in relation to the growth conditions required by the species according to the principle "The right plant in the right place".

Position the plant with the collar above the soil surface, compacting the soil well to avoid the formation of air pockets. It is advisable to use a complete and balanced background fertiliser.

Pruning

Pruning is for the formation of the plant and must be done during the cultivation period. Carry out lateral pruning for crown formation and tutoring to create a regular shape.

Propagation

Propagation can be by seed, cuttings and by layering.

Watering

After transplanting, assist the plant so that it can best develop its root system in the new site by keeping it at a constant humidity free of water stagnation and dryness. Afterwards, prevent water saturation conditions and apply quantities with frequencies and doses also commensurate with the climatic trend during the different seasons, allowing the soil to dry slightly between one watering and the next. Keep the soil temperate and without stagnation.

Fertilising

Above ground with complete nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) fertiliser at 50gr/sqm during tree planting. Use a fertiliser with a reduced degree of nitrogen in cultivation in order not to overdevelop, which weakens trunk and branches; use potassium phosphorus fertiliser to promote lignification.

Edibility for humans

The fruit, if picked at the correct stage of ripeness and well preserved, is edible.

Tip

Plant tolerates many types of soil, water sparingly and fertilise every three to four months. Prune to shape the foliage.