Shrub · Sonoran native
Jojoba
Simmondsia chinensis · Simmondsiaceae
Also called: goatnut, deernut, pignut, coffeeberry, quinine nut, wild hazel
Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) is a very low-water shrub native to the Sonoran Desert region well suited to Tucson and the low desert. It thrives in full sun, with a slow to moderate growth rate.
Jojoba at a glance
- Water use
- Very Low (established)
- Sun
- Full sun; tolerates reflected heat and partial shade
- Mature size
- 3-6 ft H x 3-6 ft W in landscapes (can reach 8-10 ft in favorable conditions)
- Growth rate
- Slow to moderate
- Bloom
- Inconspicuous pale yellow-green (dioecious; separate male and female plants), Spring (Feb-April); female plants produce acorn-like seed capsules in early summer
- Cold hardiness
- Hardy to about 15-20°F; tender new growth frost-damaged below ~22°F; USDA zones 8-11
- Soil
- Needs excellent drainage; tolerates poor, rocky, sandy, gravelly, and alkaline desert soils. Deep taproot makes it well suited to caliche sites with drainage.
- Native range
- Sonoran Desert of Arizona, southern California, and northwestern Mexico (Sonora, Baja California)
- Best used as
- Evergreen low-water hedge or screen, Foundation and slope plantings, Erosion control, Wildlife habitat, Native and xeriscape gardens, Commercial source of jojoba oil
- Wildlife
- Browsed by deer and javelina; seeds eaten by rodents and other wildlife; provides dense evergreen cover and nesting habitat for birds
- Toxicity
- Seeds contain simmondsin, which is toxic/indigestible if eaten in quantity; jojoba oil (liquid wax) is for external/industrial use and is not edible. Generally regarded as not a significant hazard in landscapes.
How to grow Jojoba in Tucson & the low desert
Watering
Very drought tolerant once established; in Tucson water deeply every 2-4 weeks in summer for best appearance, less or not at all in winter. Overwatering and poor drainage cause root and crown rot.
Fertilizer & nutrients
Little to none needed; adapted to lean desert soils. A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring can speed growth but is not required.
Pruning & care
Minimal pruning; shape lightly or thin as desired and remove frost-damaged tips after danger of frost passes. Tolerates shearing into informal hedges but looks best in natural form.
Notes
Despite the species epithet 'chinensis' it is NOT from China; the name resulted from a mislabeling error and the plant is a true Sonoran Desert native. Dioecious, so plant females for seed and a male nearby for pollination if seed/oil is desired; males for foliage-only screening. Long-lived and exceptionally tough. Seed yields the prized liquid wax 'jojoba oil.'
Sources: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum; University of Arizona Cooperative Extension; AMWUA Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert; Tohono Chul