Chinese Jujube

(Ziziphus jujuba)

Chinese Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Ziziphus jujuba, commonly known as Chinese Jujube, is a small deciduous tree or shrub that can reach a height of 5–12 meters (16–39 ft), often with thorny branches. It is native to a variety of habitats including woodlands, scrub, and riverbanks in a wide range of temperate and subtropical regions in Asia, particularly China The Chinese Jujube typically has a rounded crown and shiny, dark green leaves that turn yellow in the fall. The flowers are small, about 5 mm (0.20 in) wide, with five inconspicuous yellowish-green petals, blooming in late spring to early summer. The fruit is an edible oval drupe 1.5–3 centimeters (0.59–1.18 in) in size; when immature, it is smooth-green with the consistency and taste of an apple, maturing to brown or purplish-black and eventually becoming wrinkled, resembling a small date. There is a single hard kernel inside, similar to an olive pit, containing two seeds.

The Chinese Jujube is valued for its drought tolerance, edible fruit, and ornamental qualities. It is commonly grown as a garden shrub or small tree, and the fruit is harvested in the autumn. The jujube is also used in traditional medicine and as a food source. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun and can adapt to a variety of soil types, though it prefers medium to fast-draining soils. It requires hot summers and adequate water for proper fruiting but can withstand cold winters down to about −15 °C (5 °F). This adaptability makes it suitable for urban planting, border planting, and as a fruit-bearing hedge. Gardeners should note that while the tree is generally pest-resistant, it can occasionally suffer from fruit flies and root rot if drainage is poor.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 15-30 feet
  • Width: 15-25 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to a variety of habitats including woodlands, scrub, and riverbanks in temperate and subtropical regions in China and the Mediterranean

Other Names

Common Names: Red Date, Chinese Date, Common Jujube, Indian Jujube, Chinese-Date, Jujube, Chinesische Dattel, Brustbeerbaum, Azufaifo, Jujubier Commun

Scientific Names: , Ziziphus jujuba, Ziziphus zizyphus, Ziziphus vulgaris, Ziziphus sativa, Ziziphus sinensis, Ziziphus jujuba var. jujuba, Rhamnus zizyphus, Rhamnus vulgaris, Ziziphus flexuosa

GBIF Accepted Name: Ziziphus jujuba Mill.