Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Simmondsiaceae

Genus:

Simmondsia

Species:

Simmondsia chinensis

USDA Symbol:

SICH

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

300 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun,Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may

Bloom Colors:

yellow, green

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from the root crown after fire. Well-adapted to fire-prone desert chaparral ecosystems.

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:

None required

Germination Time:

7–30 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment at warm temperatures. Fresh seed germinates best; viability decreases with storage.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI