Li Jujube
Best drought-tolerant choice for gardeners seeking edible fruit and bird habitats.
The Li Jujube is a graceful, deciduous tree known for its fine texture and small, shiny green leaves borne on somewhat pendulous branches. It matures to 20 feet tall and wide, thriving in full sun to partial shade conditions. This variety produces edible fruits in late summer, which are dark red drupes excellent for fresh eating, preserves, or drying. While it attracts birds, be aware that this tree suckers aggressively and is quite spiny. It prefers dry to average moisture levels and is considered drought-tolerant, making it suitable for water-wise landscapes. Pruning is best done in late winter.
$99.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
7
/ 1209
#7 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
-7%
Below average
Mature Height
20
/ feet
Who it's for
- Beginners wanting a low-effort, single-tree harvest
- Home gardeners seeking crisp, apple-like snacks from their own yard
- Busy growers in arid climates needing water-wise fruit trees
Who should skip it
- Gardeners who dislike frequent pruning and yard maintenance
- Residents in cool coastal or high-elevation regions
- Homeowners who prefer a tidy, low-maintenance landscape
Performance breakdown
Drought Tolerance
Thrives in water-wise landscapes with minimal supplemental irrigation required.
Edible Yield
Produces a reliable, versatile harvest perfect for fresh snacks or drying.
Maintenance Effort
Aggressive suckering and thorny branches demand consistent, careful seasonal pruning.
Landscape Aesthetics
Delicate, pendulous foliage adds a refined texture to any garden setting.
Wildlife Attraction
Natural fruit production serves as a magnet for local bird populations.
Hardiness Range
Solid performance in moderate climates, though limited by extreme cold zones.
Key Specs
Mature Height
20 feet
Mature Width
20 feet
Growth Rate
Medium
Hardiness Zone
5b
Light Needs
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Water Needs
Dry to Average
Bloom Time
Late Spring to Early Summer
Container Size Available
5 gallon
Features
- Produces edible, showy dark red drupes best for fresh eating
- Lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape
- Drought-tolerant, ideal for xeriscaping
- Attracts birds
- Fruit harvest occurs from late summer to mid fall
- Requires occasional clean-up due to fruit drop
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Li Jujube tree for its exceptional reliability and high quality fruit production. Reviewers frequently note that the trees purchased from Armstrong are robust and establish quickly, showing excellent vigor. The primary delight is the abundant yield of large, sweet jujubes, often starting sooner than expected. This tree is viewed as a highly dependable investment for home orchards, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
Know before you buy
The Li Jujube reaches a mature height and width of approximately 20 feet. It has a medium growth rate, so you should plan for this footprint when selecting your planting site.
This tree is quite spiny, so handle it with care during planting and pruning. It also tends to sucker aggressively, meaning you will need to monitor and remove new shoots growing from the base or roots to keep the tree tidy.
Yes, it is an excellent candidate for xeriscaping. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant and prefers dry to average moisture levels.
The tree produces dark red drupes that are ready for harvest from late summer through mid-fall. Be prepared for some occasional clean-up, as the tree will drop fruit once it ripens.
Pruning is best performed in late winter while the tree is dormant. This helps maintain its shape and encourages healthy growth for the upcoming season.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$100