Texas Tech University

Chinese Date

Ziziphus jujuba (Ziziphus zizyphus)
Deciduous-Trees

(Detailed plant information can be found at the bottom of the page.)
Ziziphus jujuba (Ziziphus zizyphus)

Ziziphus jujuba Photo Gallery



Ziziphus jujuba Plant Information

Classification  
   
Scientific Name: Ziziphus jujuba
Common Name: Chinese date
Family: Rhamnaceae
Suggested Uses: small specimen, collection, arboretum
   
Characteristics  
   
Plant Form: branches may have a zig-zag look
Height: 15 - 20 feet tall
Foliage: simple, glossy, waxy, and alternate from spur-like twigs

crenate or serrulate margins

may have good yellow fall color
Flower: yellow, fragrant
Bloom Period: Spring
Fruit: edible, dark red to black drupe ripens in early Fall

0.5 to 1 inch long and plum- or egg-shaped
Bark: blocky and flaky when older
   
Environment  
   
Water: somewhat drought-tolerant
Soil: well-drained soil

tolerates acidic or alkaline soil
USDA Zone: zones 6 - 9
   
Care  
   
Maintenance: avoid using over streets, sidewalks, etc. due to fruit

may have thorns (‘Inermis' is a thornless cultivar)

TTU Plant Resources