Limberbush, Sangre-De-Cristo
Jatropha cardiophylla
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Details & Attributes
| Plant Type(s) | Succulent, perennial |
| Native to Arizona | Yes! |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Pollinators | Bees, and ants are known pollinators of some Jatrophas |
| Has Spines | No |
| Size In relative feet, width by height |
3-6' × 3-6' |
| Freeze Tolerant | No |
| Flowering Season | July-August |
| Flower Color | White |
| Minimum Temperature Range | 20-25 °F |
| Leaf Description | Heart shaped, rounded to elongated, shiny surfaces. |
| Fruit | Beaked, balloon-like pods with a single seed inside |
| View on SEINet | View SEINet Entry |
| Range Map | View SEINet Range Map |
| Elevation Range | 2000-3000 ft. |
| Description | An unusual drought-loving shrub which can be found on gravelly/rocky slopes and along sandy wash margins. Easy to miss in the wild, because, for much of the season this plant gets by as just a number of leafless, reddish brown stems rising from among the rocks. But as hints of the monsoon season appear in the form of higher humidity, these plants produce lush, shiny heart shaped leaves (hence the species epithet CARDIOphylla). Fairly sensitive to cold, this plant is best suited for desert gardens, however, this species can be grown as a protected potted specimen elsewhere in the state. As in habitat, these plants thrive in well draining, loose soils. A good planting could be made by mixing Limberbush with foothills Palo Verde (Parkinsonia microphylla), fishhook barrel cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni), ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens), and narrowleaf wolfberry (Lycium berlandieri). The exuberant display of leathery foliage, small white flowers, and sack like seed pods serve as a welcome display in the midst of summer heat. |
