Simmondsia, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
jojoba
Sonoran, Mojave, and Colorado deserts of southwestern North America
Overview
Simmondsia is a genus in its own family containing a single species, jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis), an evergreen shrub of the deserts of southwestern North America. Plants are dense and rounded, 3-10 feet (0.9-3 m) tall and wide, occasionally reaching 15 feet (4.5 m) on old specimens. Leaves are opposite, oval to oblong, 1-1.6 inches (2.5-4 cm) long, leathery, gray-green, and held upright to limit water loss. Plants are dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate shrubs; small yellow-green flowers without petals open in late winter to spring, the males in clusters and the females singly. Female plants bear acorn-like capsules holding one to three brown seeds rich in liquid wax. The deep root system, sometimes extending 30 feet (9 m), supports survival in arid ground. Growth is slow, and plants are long-lived, often exceeding 100 years. Because plants are dioecious, both sexes are needed for seed. Jojoba tolerates intense heat and drought but is damaged by hard frost.
Native Range
Jojoba is native to the Sonoran, Mojave, and Colorado deserts of southwestern Arizona, southern California, and northwestern Mexico, including Baja California. It grows on coarse, well-drained desert soils, rocky slopes, and washes from near sea level to about 5,000 feet (1,500 m).Suggested Uses
Grown in desert and xeriscape gardens, as an informal hedge or screen, and for erosion control on dry slopes, spaced 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m) apart. It is cultivated commercially in arid regions for the wax extracted from its seeds. Frost sensitivity limits its use to mild, dry climates.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 10'
Colors
Bloom Information
Small yellow-green flowers open from late winter into spring, mainly December through April depending on rainfall and location. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants and last several weeks. Seed capsules ripen on female plants through summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 8-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
