The Jujube tree (Ziziphus
zizyphus) is also known as the Chinese date. It is a smaller tree or shrub
reaching 15’ – 20’ tall and 10’ – 15’ wide. With
regular water it can add 2’ – 3’ of growth annually. Leaves are
a glossy-green so it makes a very beautiful canopy. Some varieties have 1 inch
spines on their branches.
The Jujube tree
produces a small fruit that can be round to oblong or egg shaped and at
maturity, are brown skinned and look like little apples. Fruits may be eaten at
this time and are similar to an apple but less sweet and juicy. After the
season’s first frosts the fruits shrivel and turn a darker reddish brown.
The shriveled fruits
are typically sweeter and chewier, resembling “dates”.
Jujube fruits can persist on trees into the winter months
as seen in the photo below after a snowstorm.
For More Information About The
Jujube Check Out Our Website At:
Photos & Narrative
By:
Stephen Sain
Staff Plant
Physiologist
Trees That Please Nursery
Retail and Wholesale
Nurseries Unique Choice
Serving Albuquerque, Santa
Fe, Los Lunas, and Belen
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