Looking for an unusual fruit tree that will make your garden stand out? Meet the Che tree (Maclura tricuspidata), also known as Chinese mulberry, Chinese Che, or cudrang. This lesser-known fruit-bearing tree produces distinctive reddish-maroon fruit and attractive glossy green foliage, making it an interesting addition to an edible landscape.
At Eastwoods Organics, we love plants that offer something a little different. If you're a home gardener, fruit-tree enthusiast, or collector of unusual plants, the Che tree deserves a closer look!
What Is a Che Tree?
The Che tree is a deciduous tree or large shrub native to East Asia, particularly China. It belongs to the mulberry family, Moraceae, which also includes familiar favorites such as mulberries and figs.
Despite its common name, Chinese mulberry, the Che tree is not a true mulberry. It belongs to a different genus and has its own unique characteristics.
Che is valued for its ornamental appearance and its edible fruit. Depending on the cultivar and growing conditions, it can reach approximately 15–25 feet tall, making it suitable for many residential landscapes where a smaller fruit tree is preferred.
Its glossy green leaves provide an attractive backdrop throughout the growing season, while the unusual fruit adds interest as summer transitions into fall.
What Does Che Fruit Taste Like?
One of the biggest reasons gardeners seek out the Che tree is its unusual fruit.
The fruit develops into rounded, reddish-orange to deep maroon structures, generally around an inch across. When fully ripe, the flesh is juicy and sweet, with flavor descriptions that often compare it to a combination of mulberry, fig, and melon.
Che fruit can be enjoyed fresh when ripe or used in homemade jams, preserves, desserts, and other recipes.
For gardeners who enjoy growing their own food, this is part of the appeal: you're growing a fruit that most people have never tasted, let alone seen growing on a tree.
A harvesting tip: Allow the fruit to ripen fully on the tree for the best flavor. Look for fruit that has developed a deep red or maroon color and is ready to separate easily from the branch.
How to Grow a Che Tree
The Che tree is a rewarding option for gardeners who want to experiment with less-common fruit trees. Here are the basics to help your tree establish successfully.
Sunlight
For the best growth and fruit production, plant your Che tree in a location that receives full sun. A sunny site encourages healthy growth and helps the tree produce a better crop of fruit.
Soil and Drainage
Che trees adapt to a range of soil conditions but perform best in well-drained soil. Avoid locations where water collects or the soil remains saturated for extended periods.
Good drainage is especially important when establishing a new tree.
Watering
Water regularly during the first growing season while the roots establish. During hot, dry periods, provide supplemental water as needed, particularly when the tree is developing fruit.
Although established Che trees can tolerate some dry conditions, prolonged drought can contribute to fruit drop and reduced production.
Cold Hardiness
Che trees are commonly listed for USDA hardiness zones 5–9, although performance can vary with cultivar and local conditions.
This makes Che a potentially interesting fruit tree for Connecticut gardeners and others in colder parts of the Northeast. As with any less-common fruit tree, choosing an appropriate cultivar and planting it in a favorable microclimate can improve your chances of success.
Mature Size and Growth
Depending on the cultivar, rootstock, and growing conditions, a Che tree may reach roughly 15–25 feet tall. Its growth rate is generally slow to moderate, so patience is important when establishing a young specimen.
Give it enough room to develop its natural shape, and consider its mature size when choosing a planting location.
Does a Che Tree Need a Pollinator?
This is an important question to consider before planting.
Che trees commonly have separate male and female plants. Female trees produce fruit, while male trees provide pollen. For many varieties, a compatible male tree is necessary for reliable fruit production.
However, some selected cultivars can produce fruit without a separate male pollinator, including selections known for producing seedless fruit.
Before purchasing a Che tree, check the cultivar's pollination requirements. If your goal is to harvest fruit from a single tree, look specifically for a cultivar documented to fruit without a separate pollinator.
This small detail can make a big difference in your experience growing this unusual fruit tree.
Is the Che Tree a Good Choice for Connecticut?
For gardeners here in Connecticut and throughout southern New England, the Che tree offers an opportunity to grow something outside the ordinary backyard orchard.
Its reported cold-hardiness range makes it worth considering for Zone 6 gardens, provided you select an appropriate plant and give it suitable growing conditions.
Choose a sunny planting site with good drainage, water consistently while the tree establishes, and protect young plants from damage.
As with other uncommon fruit trees, results can vary depending on the cultivar, winter conditions, and the growing season. A sheltered location may be beneficial, particularly for young trees.
If you enjoy experimenting with unusual edible plants, Che is an interesting candidate for a home orchard or edible landscape.
Che Tree vs. Mulberry: What's the Difference?
Although the Che tree is sometimes called Chinese mulberry, it isn't a true mulberry.
Both belong to the mulberry family, but they belong to different genera:
- Che tree: Maclura tricuspidata
- True mulberry: Morus species
Both produce edible fruit, but Che has its own distinct fruit characteristics, growth habit, and pollination considerations.
The Che tree's unusual appearance and relatively uncommon status also make it a conversation starter for gardeners interested in collecting rare and unusual fruiting plants.
Why Grow an Unusual Fruit Tree?
Growing fruit trees is about more than harvesting apples and pears. Uncommon species give gardeners the opportunity to explore new flavors, expand their collections, and discover plants that aren't found in every backyard.
The Che tree combines attractive foliage, edible fruit, and an interesting botanical background in one package.
Whether you're expanding an existing home orchard or starting to explore unusual fruit trees, it offers a different way to enjoy the rewards of growing your own food.
Discover Something Different at Eastwoods Organics
At Eastwoods Organics, we're passionate about plants, trees, and shrubs that help gardeners create beautiful and productive landscapes. We believe gardening should be accessible, enjoyable, and full of opportunities to try something new.
Our family-owned nursery in Guilford, Connecticut, is dedicated to offering beautiful plants at fair prices.
Keep following our Tree of the Month series as we explore more interesting trees and plants, from familiar landscape favorites to unusual varieties worth discovering.
Have you ever grown or tasted Che fruit? We'd love to hear about your experiences!
Explore Eastwoods Organics at eastwoodsorganics.com to discover more about our nursery and the plants we grow.
Happy planting!
— Eastwoods Organics