Che - Cudrania tricuspidata

Che is one of those fruits to grow when you want something totally out of the ordinary. They are easy to grow and are quite delicious, sweet and juicy. The flavors are described as something like chocolatey dried watermelon with a splash of fig. We'd love to hear your description of the fruit!

While Che is generally dioecious (with female and male flowers on different plants) we offer a self-fertile variety called 'Seedless Self-Fertile' which originates from Edible Landscapes out of Virginia. It is a prolific variety of seedless fruits when not pollinated by a male. It will have seeds and be larger in size once pollinated.

These grafted trees will fruit right away.

Overview

Che, also known as Chinese mulberry or silkworm thorn, is a cold-hardy and productive fruit tree prized for its sweet, raspberry-like fruit and exceptional resilience. Native to East Asia, che produces round, red fruit with soft flesh and a pleasant sweetness when fully ripe. Its adaptability and low maintenance requirements make it an excellent choice for home gardeners across a wide range of climates.

Fruit Characteristics

Che fruit resembles a small mulberry and ripens to a bright red color. When fully ripe, the flesh is sweet and juicy with mild berry notes. The fruit is best enjoyed fresh and can also be used in jams and preserves. Unlike mulberries, che fruit does not stain and has a cleaner harvest experience.

Growth Habit & Landscape Value

Che trees form a medium-sized deciduous tree with a naturally open structure. They are vigorous, long-lived, and respond well to pruning, allowing gardeners to maintain a manageable size. The tree is also valued for its ornamental foliage and strong branch structure.

Growing Conditions

Che is highly adaptable and easy to grow, performing best with:

• Full sun
• Well-draining soil
• Moderate watering

Once established, che is drought tolerant, heat tolerant, and cold hardy, making it one of the toughest fruit trees available for home orchards.

Ideal for Home Gardeners

Che is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a dependable, low-maintenance fruit tree with unique flavor and strong resilience. Its toughness and productivity make it well suited for both beginner and experienced growers.

Shipped with Care

Nature’s Candy Fruit Tree Nursery, LLC carefully selects and packs che trees to ensure they arrive healthy and ready to grow. We ship nationwide where climate conditions allow.