Jojoba
Simmondsia chinensis
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Details & Attributes
| Plant Type(s) | Shrub, perennial |
| Native to Arizona | Yes! |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Has Spines | No |
| Size In relative feet, width by height |
4-7 × 4-7 |
| Flowering Season | February-May |
| Flower Color | Greenish |
| Minimum Temperature Range | 20-30 °F |
| Leaf Description | Waxy, rounded, almost succulent |
| Fruit | A brown nut |
| View on SEINet | View SEINet Entry |
| Range Map | View SEINet Range Map |
| Elevation Range | 1500-5000 ft. |
| Description | This is a common shrub in the Sonoran Desert, recognizable by its rounded, greyish green, waxy leaves. This plant serves as a good background planting in a garden featuring Sonoran Desert staples such as foothills palo verde (Parkinsonia microphylla), saguaro (Carnegia gigantea), cholla (Cylindropuntia), and fairy duster (Calliandra eriophylla). This species is dioecious, meaning there are separate the male and female plants. The flowers are wind pollinated but bees do still visit staminate (male, pollen-bearing) blooms. Plants with female flowers produce an acorn like seed capsule. These nuts attracts mammals and larger birds who eat the seeds. This species can also be used to create a drought tolerant hedge. Minimal pruning is ideal as box pruned Jojobas look unhealthy and unnatural. |
