Teaweeping
Description
The Teaweeping Mulberry is a deciduous, ornamental tree known for its distinctive gracefully weeping branches that cascade toward the ground, creating a striking, umbrella-like canopy. It is a cultivar of the white mulberry (Morus alba) and is primarily grown for its unique shape and aesthetic appeal rather than fruit production.
Characteristics:
• Size: Typically grows 6–15 feet tall and 8–12 feet wide, depending on pruning.
• Leaves: Bright green, glossy, lobed or heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in fall before dropping.
• Growth Habit: A pendulous, weeping form with long, trailing branches that often touch the ground.
• Fruit:
• Some trees may produce small, sweet, purple-black berries, but many ornamental varieties are fruitless to avoid mess.
• Bark: Light grayish-brown with a slightly rough texture.
Growing Conditions:
• Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Soil: Adaptable to various soil types, but thrives in well-draining soil.
• Watering: Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering in dry climates.
• Hardiness Zones: Typically grows in USDA zones 4–8.
• Maintenance:
• Requires pruning to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth.
• Can be trained into an arching form or left to create a natural, flowing canopy.
Uses & Benefits:
✔ Ornamental Appeal: Popular in gardens, landscapes, and Japanese-style gardens for its elegant, weeping form.
✔ Shade Provider: Dense foliage creates a cool, shaded area underneath.
✔ Low Maintenance: Resistant to pests and diseases, requiring minimal care once established.
✔ Erosion Control: Its root system helps stabilize soil in sloped areas.
Nutritional Value
Nutritional Value of Mulberries (Per 100g of Fresh Fruit)
• Calories: ~43 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~9.8 g
• Sugars: ~8.1 g
• Fiber: ~1.7 g
• Protein: ~1.4 g
• Fat: ~0.4 g
Vitamins & Minerals:
• Vitamin C: ~36 mg (about 60% of Daily Value)
• Vitamin K: ~7.8 mcg
• Iron: ~1.8 mg
• Calcium: ~39 mg
• Potassium: ~194 mg
• Magnesium: ~18 mg
Health Benefits:
✔ Rich in Antioxidants – Contains resveratrol, flavonoids, and anthocyanins that support heart health and reduce inflammation.
✔ Supports Immune Function – High vitamin C content helps strengthen immunity.
✔ Good for Digestion – Fiber promotes gut health and regularity.
✔ May Help Control Blood Sugar – Some studies suggest mulberries help regulate glucose levels.
✔ Supports Brain Health – Antioxidants may protect against neurodegenerative diseases.