Jujube

 

AKA: Chinese date, Ziziphus jujube.

ON CAMPUS: Found behind the Robert Scott Small Building.

DESCRIPTION: This small, decorative – yet tough – deciduous tree has spiny, gnarled branches that often grow in a zigzag pattern. In late spring, it produces clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers, which give way to green 1–2"-long drupes in the fall. Eventually turning a deep, brownish-red before softening and wrinkling, the fruit – with its thin, edible skin surrounding white flesh – is reminiscent of an apple and is eaten fresh, dried or candied. The longer the fruit ripens on the tree, the sweeter it will be – and, because it ripens non-simultaneously – the fruits can be harvested for several weeks from a single tree.

TIPS: Plant in full sun. Mow around tree to control suckers. Prune in winter for the shape and health of the tree.