Christ’s thorn jujube (sidr) Ziziphus spina-christi
Christ’s thorn jujube (sidr) (Ziziphus spina-christi) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Rhamnaceae family, native to North and East Africa to the Middle East. It grows 5–12 m (16–39 ft) tall and 5–9 m (16–30 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 7 m (23 ft) apart.
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Christ’s thorn jujube (sidr) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rhamnaceae |
| Mature height | 5–12 m (16–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–9 m (16–30 ft) |
| Spacing | 7 m (23 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6.5–9 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 50 °C (122 °F) |
| Flowering | from about September for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: fruit (nabq) |
| Native to | North and East Africa to the Middle East |
| Common in gardens of | 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇪🇹 Ethiopia |
Is Christ’s thorn jujube (sidr) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: thorns
Paired sharp thorns.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Christ’s thorn jujube (sidr)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Christ’s thorn jujube (sidr)
- How far apart should I plant Christ’s thorn jujube (sidr)?
- About 7 m (23 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–9 m (16–30 ft).
- Does Christ’s thorn jujube (sidr) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Christ’s thorn jujube (sidr) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Christ’s thorn jujube (sidr)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Christ’s thorn jujube (sidr) flower?
- From about September for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Christ’s thorn jujube (sidr) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Paired sharp thorns.
- What grows well with Christ’s thorn jujube (sidr)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Christ’s thorn jujube (sidr). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora of Israel Online, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- Feedipedia: animal feed resources information system, INRAE, CIRAD, AFZ and FAO
Notes and assumptions
- Shade and bee tree of Egyptian and Arabian villages; sidr honey comes from its autumn flowers. Tolerates salty water.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Japanese raisin tree (kenponashi) Hovenia dulcis
- New Jersey tea Ceanothus americanus
- Italian buckthorn (alaternus) Rhamnus alaternus
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum