Chinese Jujube

Chinese jujube is an attractive fruiting tree that can be grown throughout Florida.

The fruits start out green and turn red or mahogany once they're mature. They look somewhat like cherries but taste like apples.

The trees are prized for their ornamental qualities. The branches grow in an interesting zig-zag pattern and have a somewhat weeping habit. Many have thorns, though thornless cultivars are available.

Chinese jujube can be planted in full sun or partial shade. It enjoys hot summers but will also tolerate cold winters. This deciduous tree can grow 25 to 40 feet tall, and may require some pruning to maintain a single trunk. Chinese jujube is drought tolerant once established, though fruiting will be heavier if it receives regular water.

UF/IFAS Sites

UF/IFAS Publications