Silkworm Thorn (Cudrania tricuspidata)

Family: Moraceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Cudrania tricuspidata is a deciduous Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in July. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

tasteless, when soft-ripe it is sub-acid to sweet and some forms can be quite delicious. — Fruit - fresh or preserved.; Somewhat like a mulberry.; The firm fruit is relatively tasteless, when soft-ripe it is sub-acid to sweet and some forms can be quite delicious.; It contains lots of large seeds.

Habitat & North American Range

Rocky slopes and roadsides in W. China. Sunny forest margins and mountain slopes at elevations of 500 - 2200 metres. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)