Persea americana 'Joey' (Avocado)

Persea americana, the avocado, is an evergreen fruit tree native to southern Mexico and Central America, cultivated for thousands of years and now grown throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Belonging to the laurel family, it develops into a medium to large tree with a dense canopy of glossy green leaves, reaching 20 to 60 feet depending on climate and rootstock, and remaining productive for decades.
Fruits vary widely in size, shape, skin texture, and color - from smooth green to rough dark-purple - depending on the cultivar. The flesh is rich in healthy oils and prized for its smooth buttery texture. The species is also notable for its unusual flowering biology, with flowers opening in two phases that promote cross-pollination between complementary types.
Cultivars derived from Mexican, Guatemalan, and West Indian genetic backgrounds show considerable variation in fruit quality, harvest season, and cold tolerance. The hardiest Mexican-type selections may survive temperatures near 20F when mature, while many West Indian types sustain damage below 30F. Avocado grows best in full sun with well-drained soil and regular moisture; it is sensitive to prolonged waterlogging. Generally suited to USDA Zones 9b-11. See more about avocado:
Avocado varieties chart.
Avocado variety guide: Snack or Guacamole?
Growing avocadoes in Florida
The Magic of the Avocado

Persea americana 'Joey' is a cold-tolerant Mexican-type avocado cultivar that originated in Texas, valued for its small dark-skinned fruit, rich flavor, and adaptability to cooler subtropical regions.

The fruit is small to medium, with thin dark purple to black skin, creamy high-oil flesh, and a relatively small seed - giving a generous edible portion for its size. The foliage is glossy and aromatic, with leaves releasing a distinctive anise-like scent when crushed, typical of Mexican-type avocados.

'Joey' is better adapted to occasional winter cold than most tropical cultivars, making it popular with home growers in marginal climates. Mature trees can reportedly tolerate brief drops into the low 20F, placing the cultivar in USDA Zones 8-11 under favorable conditions. It performs best in full sun with excellent drainage and protection from prolonged freezing or waterlogged soils.