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Japanese raisin tree (kenponashi) Hovenia dulcis

Japanese raisin tree (kenponashi) (Hovenia dulcis) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Rhamnaceae family, native to China, Korea and Japan. It grows 10–20 m (33–66 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -23 °C (-9 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.

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Japanese raisin tree (kenponashi) at a glance

TypePerennial fruit plant, deciduous
FamilyRhamnaceae
Mature height10–20 m (33–66 ft)
Mature spread6–10 m (20–33 ft)
Spacing8 m (26 ft) centre to centre
SunFull sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day
WaterModerate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none
Soil pH5.5–7.5
Cold hardinessAbout -23 °C (-9 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6)
Heat stressLikely above about 36 °C (97 °F)
Floweringfrom about June for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones)
Wind toleranceLow
Pollinator valueHigh
EdibleYes: swollen fruit stalks (taste of raisins and pear)
Native toChina, Korea and Japan
Common in gardens of🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇺🇸 United States
Invasive inBrazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Tanzania: check local rules before planting

Is Japanese raisin tree (kenponashi) toxic?

Not poisonous; the fruit-stalk extract is a traditional East Asian hangover remedy.

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 Japanese raisin tree (kenponashi)

No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.

Questions about Japanese raisin tree (kenponashi)

How far apart should I plant Japanese raisin tree (kenponashi)?
About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
Does Japanese raisin tree (kenponashi) need full sun?
Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
How much water does Japanese raisin tree (kenponashi) need?
Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
How cold-hardy is Japanese raisin tree (kenponashi)?
It tolerates about -23 °C (-9 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
When does Japanese raisin tree (kenponashi) flower?
From about June for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
Is Japanese raisin tree (kenponashi) poisonous to cats and dogs?
For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; the fruit-stalk extract is a traditional East Asian hangover remedy.
What grows well with Japanese raisin tree (kenponashi)?
There is no well-documented companion pairing for Japanese raisin tree (kenponashi). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).

Sources and evidence

Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).

Notes and assumptions

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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