Jojoba
Simmondsia chinensis
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
Stan Shebs
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Simmondsiaceae
- Genus:
- Simmondsia
- Species:
- Simmondsia chinensis
- USDA Symbol:
- SICH
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 400 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- greenish-yellow
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Electra buckmoth (Hemileuca electra), Epinotia kasloana
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in arid desert conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm stratification required — 30–60 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from scarification (nicking the seed coat) followed by warm stratification to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Seeds are soaked in water for 24 to 48 hours to remove any inhibitors and allow full imbibition of seeds prior to sowing.
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Native Seed Group (seeds)
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)