Simmondsia chinensis
Jojoba
DESCRIPTION
JojobaSimmondsia chinensis
Jojoba is a long-lived, nearly evergreen shrub. The foliage is an attractive gray-green. The flowers are not overly showy but the acorn-shaped and -sized fruit that follows is very valuable. The nuts are eaten by many animals including squirrels and larger birds. The liquid wax that is extracted from the nuts are used in shampoos, cosmetics and other products. Easy to grow, drought resistant plants would make a wonderful hedge or screen.
BENEFITS
Nuts are eaten by many animals including squirrels and larger birdsDense attractive foliage make them desirable backyard plants
Needs no water after the plant becomes established
Makes a wonderful hedge or privacy screen
Easy to grow, drought resistant
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Jojoba occurs throughout the Sonoran Desert where annual average rainfall exceeds 5 inches. It extends beyond the desert into the coastal mountain ranges of southern California.
Interesting Facts
Jojoba is currently the Sonoran Deserts second most economically valuable native plant, overshadowed only by the Washington palms used in ornamental horticulture.
GROWING TIPS
Prune to shape if desiered. Providing regular irrigation will speed up the normally slow growth.