Jojoba

Simmondsia chinensis

Native densely-branched evergreen shrub 1-7 ft. tall with attractive acorn-like fruit capsules and green inconspicuous flowers, blooming December to July. Adapted to well-drained coarse desert soils and tolerant of highly saline sites on dry rocky slopes and along washes within desert shrub and southern coastal scrub habitats; up to 5,000 ft. elevation. Common to dominant throughout its range. Extremely drought tolerant. Desirable for xeriscape landscaping as well as restoration. Readily resprouts following damage or wildfire, forming thickets from deep roots several feet away from the crown. Highly palatable and important browse for livestock and wildlife, including deer, desert bighorn sheep and jackrabbits. Nuts are eaten by deer, javelina and numerous small mammals. Honeybees collect considerable amounts of pollen from the male plants but avoid the females.