Jojoba
(Simmondsia chinensis)
Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis)
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Ken-ichi Ueda
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Ken-ichi Ueda
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Ken-ichi Ueda | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Ken-ichi Ueda | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-06-20T19:04:46-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Simmondsia chinensis, commonly known as Jojoba, is an evergreen shrub native to the Sonoran and Mojave deserts of the Southwestern USA and Northwestern Mexico. It is well-adapted to arid environments, thriving in sandy plains, rocky hillsides, and scrublands. Jojoba typically grows to 1–2 meters (3.3–6.6 ft) tall, with a broad, dense crown, although specimens reaching up to 3 meters (9.8 ft) have been observed. The plant’s leaves are leathery and gray-green, providing a year-round aesthetic appeal. Its flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and inconspicuous, with 5–6 sepals and no petals, blooming from March to May. The flowers are dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female, with only the females producing seeds.
Jojoba is valued for its adaptability to extreme conditions, requiring minimal maintenance once established. It is drought-resistant and can tolerate high temperatures, making it suitable for xeriscaping and arid garden designs. Jojoba oil, extracted from its seeds, is widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, adding economic value to its cultivation. In the landscape, it serves as an attractive, low-water requiring shrub for naturalistic plantings and wildlife gardens. Jojoba prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soils, and it is rarely affected by pests or diseases. However, it is sensitive to overwatering and poor drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Jojoba is valued for its adaptability to extreme conditions, requiring minimal maintenance once established. It is drought-resistant and can tolerate high temperatures, making it suitable for xeriscaping and arid garden designs. Jojoba oil, extracted from its seeds, is widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, adding economic value to its cultivation. In the landscape, it serves as an attractive, low-water requiring shrub for naturalistic plantings and wildlife gardens. Jojoba prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soils, and it is rarely affected by pests or diseases. However, it is sensitive to overwatering and poor drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-7 feet
- Width: 3-7 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Sonoran and Mojave deserts, including sandy plains, rocky hillsides, and scrublands
Other Names
Common Names: Goat Nut, Deer Nut, Pignut, Wild Hazel, Quinine Nut, Coffeeberry, Gray Box Bush
Scientific Names: , Simmondsia chinensis, Simmondsia californica, Celastrus obtusatus, Simmondsia pabulosa, Brocchia dichotoma, Buxus californica, Buxus chinensis, Simmondsia chrysophylla,
GBIF Accepted Name: Simmondsia chinensis (Link) C.K.Schneid.