Jojoba

Simmondsia chinensis

Light

Water

Low water once established. Water deeply, then allow soil to dry thoroughly; occasional deep summer irrigation improves appearance in Phoenix. Water more regularly during establishment.

Size

3-6 ft tall × 3-6 ft wide

Habit

Rounded shrub

Toxicity

Toxic — Pets

Description

A tough Sonoran Desert native shrub with leathery, upright, oval leaves and seeds valued for their liquid wax, commonly called jojoba oil.

Bloom Time

Late winter to spring

Deciduous / Evergreen

Evergreen

Special Features

Attracts Birds, Drought Tolerant, Thornless, Thorny / Spiny

Growth Rate

Slow

Growth Habit

Rounded shrub

Mature Size

3-6 ft tall × 3-6 ft wide

Flower Color

Yellow-green

Foliage Color

Gray-green

Landscape Use

Desert / Xeriscape, Foundation Planting, Groundcover, Hedge / Screen, Pollinator / Wildlife Garden

Garden Style

Arizona Native, Desert / Xeriscape, Hedge / Formal, Pollinator / Wildlife

Soil

Alkaline Tolerant, Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained

Companion Plants

Brittlebush, Chuparosa, Creosote bush, Desert marigold, Foothill palo verde, Santa Rita prickly pear

Toxic — Pets

Seeds toxic if ingested

Care Instructions

Light: Full sun preferred; tolerates light shade.

Water: Low water once established. Water deeply, then allow soil to dry thoroughly; occasional deep summer irrigation improves appearance in Phoenix. Water more regularly during establishment.

Soil: Well-drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil; tolerates alkaline soils. Avoid persistently wet or poorly drained locations.

Mature size: Typically 5–8 feet tall and wide; can reach 10–12 feet under favorable conditions.

Bloom: Small, inconspicuous flowers in late winter to spring.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.

Growth rate: Slow to moderate; faster with supplemental irrigation.