Ziziphus spp.

jujubes

Rhamnaceae

Warm-temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions of Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, and the Americas

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Fragrant (light)

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 6–11

Overview

Ziziphus spp. is a genus of about 40 species of spiny shrubs and small trees in the buckthorn family Rhamnaceae, spread across the warm-temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions of the world. Plants range from 5-40 ft (1.5-12 m) tall, with often zigzagging branches bearing paired stipular spines, one straight and one hooked, at the leaf bases. The leaves are usually oval, glossy, and marked by three prominent veins running from the base, 0.8-3 in (2-8 cm) long. Small five-petaled flowers in yellow-green open in the leaf axils in late spring and summer, drawing bees. These develop into rounded to oval fleshy drupes, the familiar jujube or red date, ripening from green through yellow to red-brown. Z. jujuba, the Chinese jujube, is grown across Asia and beyond for its sweet fruit, while Z. mauritiana and Z. spina-christi are important in tropical and arid regions. The genus tolerates heat, drought, and poor or alkaline soils, and several species are deciduous while others are evergreen. Cold tolerance ranges roughly from USDA zones 6 to 11 depending on species.

Native Range

Ziziphus spp. is native to warm regions of Asia, Africa, southern Europe, Australia, and the Americas. Z. jujuba originates in China, Z. mauritiana in southern Asia, and Z. obtusifolia in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Plants occur in dry woodland, scrub, savanna, and along watercourses.

Suggested Uses

Ziziphus spp. species are grown as fruit trees, hedging, and windbreaks in hot, dry climates, and the spiny forms serve as barrier plantings. Z. jujuba is cultivated commercially and in home gardens for its edible dates. In arid regions the genus is used for shade, fodder, and soil stabilization.

How to Identify

Identify Ziziphus spp. by oval, glossy leaves with three strong veins from the base and paired spines, one straight and one curved, at each node. Branches often grow in a zigzag pattern. Small yellow-green flowers give way to rounded or oval date-like fruits that ripen to red-brown, a useful clue to the genus.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height5' - 40'

Width/Spread5' - 25'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs in late spring and summer, with small yellow-green flowers opening over several weeks. The blooms are fragrant and visited by bees. Fruit ripens from late summer into autumn, several months after flowering.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand clay rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Ziziphus spp. species grow in full sun in deep, well-drained soil and tolerate a wide pH range from about 5.5 to 8.0, including poor, sandy, and alkaline ground. They withstand heat and extended drought once established, drawing on deep root systems. Cold tolerance varies, with Z. jujuba surviving to USDA zone 6 and tropical species needing zones 9 to 11. Plants fruit most heavily in hot summers with full sun. The spiny branches and suckering habit of some species call for room to spread. Established trees need little water or feeding.

Pruning

Pruning in late winter while dormant removes suckers, crossing branches, and dead wood and opens the canopy for fruiting. Root suckers are cut away to limit spread, as several species spread by them. The spiny branches make protective handling necessary during pruning.