Jojoba
Simmondsia chinensis · Simmondsiaceae
- Form
- Shrub
- Height
- 3-8 ft
- Sun
- Full Sun
- Water
- Very Low
- Blooms
- Feb, Mar, Apr
- Habitat
- Desert · Coastal Sage Scrub · Chaparral
🌿 California native
Quick facts
- Habitat: Desert scrub, rocky slopes, and warm inland coastal sage scrub
- Form / size: Evergreen shrub, 3-8 ft
- Sun: Full sun · Water: Very low
- Blooms: Late winter-spring · Pollinator value: Low to moderate
Description
A tough evergreen shrub with opposite, leathery gray-green oval leaves and small inconspicuous flowers. Female plants produce acorn-like seeds rich in jojoba oil. It often reads as a clean, gray-green desert shrub rather than a showy flowering plant.
Wildlife & pollinators
Seeds are used by wildlife, and the evergreen shrub provides cover in dry habitats.
Habitat & range
Desert scrub, rocky slopes, washes, and warm dry coastal sage scrub edges in Southern California, Arizona, and Baja California.
In the garden
Excellent for hot, dry native landscapes, hedges, and slope plantings. It tolerates heat, drought, and reflected sun once established.
Propagation
From seed or cuttings. Seedlings may be male or female; fruiting requires female plants and pollen from male plants nearby.
Where to see it near you
- iNaturalist — observed in Southern California
- Desert slopes, washes, and hot dry inland scrub.
Problems
Needs drainage and sun. It can look sparse if overwatered or grown in shade.
