Search Fact Sheets Virginia Tech Dendrology

Japanese raisintree Rhamnaceae Hovenia dulcis Thunb. Listen to the Latin Print a QR link to this factsheet symbol: HODU2
Leaf: Alternate, simple, deciduous, ovate, 5 to 7 inches long, serrated margin, 3 prominent veins originate from leaf base, petiole long, shiny green above, paler below.
Flower: Large (3 to 4 inches across) clusters of small (1/3 inch), very pale green (nearly white) fragrant flowers, appearing in mid to late summer.
Fruit: Round drupe, 1/3 inch in diameter, in small clusters, reddish brown when ripe in early fall, edible and sweet (like a raisin).
Twig: Moderate, reddish brown; buds gray to brown, finely hairy, broadly conical and pointed.
Bark: Light gray, shallowly fissured with flat, peeling narrow plates.
Form: Small tree reaching up to 30 to 40 feet in height, with an open, spreading crown.
 Looks like: dove tree

Japanese raisintree leaf image
Japanese raisintree flower image
Japanese raisintree fruit image
Japanese raisintree twig image
Japanese raisintree bark image
Japanese raisintree form image
Japanese raisintree map image

Additional Range Information: Hovenia dulcis is planted in the USDA hardiness zones shown above and is not known to widely escape cultivaton. Download the full-size PDF map.
External Links: USDA Plants Database - Horticulture Information
All material 2025 Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation; Photos and text by: John Seiler, Edward Jensen, Alex Niemiera, and John Peterson; Silvics reprinted from Ag Handbook 654; range map source information