Ziziphus jujuba

Rooted in the annals of ancient cultivation, the jujube tree (Ziziphus jujuba) is a storied specimen—an upright, deciduous tree prized for its glossy foliage, graceful form, and richly flavored, edible fruit. Cultivated in China for more than 4,000 years, the jujube has earned its rightful place in both orchard and legend, where its fruit—often likened to a date in taste and texture, though botanically unrelated—has been cherished for its nutritive and medicinal value.

This medium-sized tree, sometimes adorned with short, subtle thorns along its branches, is as rugged as it is refined. Once established, it proves highly drought tolerant, thriving in poor or sandy soils where lesser trees falter. In the autumn sun, the fruit ripens to a mahogany sheen, sweetening as it dries on the branch. In traditional Chinese kitchens, these “red dates” are candied, brewed into teas, or simply enjoyed fresh as a natural delicacy.

Plant the jujube in full sun or dappled shade, in soil that drains well and sings of Southern summer. Hardy and forgiving, it welcomes both the orchardist and the casual gardener, needing little beyond space, sunlight, and patience. For those cultivating an edible landscape or a garden steeped in old-world charm, Ziziphus jujuba offers nourishment of both body and soul.