Ziziphus spp. (ziz-ah-FUSE)
Deciduous Sun Height 25 - 35 feet Spread 15 - 30 feet Spacing 20 - 30 feet
CULTURE: Slow to moderate growth in almost any soil.
HABIT: Clusters of small yellow flowers in early summer. Shiny, edible, date-like purple-brown fruit in fall. Branches and twigs are spiny, gnarled, zigzagged (hence the name). Glossy Glossy dark green leaves.
USES: Unique shade tree. Edible and medicinal fruit that tastes like dried apples.
PROBLEMS: Can spread by root sprouts and seeds to become a rather annoying pest.
NOTES: One of the easiest fruiy trees to grow.