Simmondsia chinensis (Link) C.K. Schneid.
Jojoba, Goatnut, Quinine plant, Coffeeberry
Simmondsiaceae (Jojoba Family)
Synonym(s): Buxus chinensis, Simmondsia californica
USDA Symbol: SICH
This attractive, gray-green shrub is often considered evergreen but technically is deciduous with persistent leaves. Inconspicuous flowers occur on short axillary stems and are followed by green, acorn-like fruits on female plants. Stiff branched for a low mound shape; jojoba grows 4 1/2-6 ft. tall. Bluish-green, medium-size shrub with low, broad appearance and leathery leaves. Very widely spreading.
Jojoba is emerging as a potentially important desert crop species. Its fruit is about 50 percent oil, of a quality similar to that of sperm whale oil. Unlike many other oils, it does not degrade by bacterial activity. It can be used in cosmetics, lubricants, in cooking, and as a wax for cars, while the pulp remaining after oil extraction can be fed to animals.
From the Image Gallery
Plant CharacteristicsDuration: Perennial
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Size Class: 6-12 ft.
Bloom InformationBloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr , May
DistributionUSA: AZ , CA
Native Distribution: S. AZ to s. CA & adjacent Mex.
Native Habitat: Dry slopes along washes
Growing ConditionsWater Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Rocky or sandy, barren soils.
Conditions Comments: Slow-growing. Tolerates a wide range of soils. Often used as a hedge or foundation plant.
PropagationDescription: Propagation by seed is possible.
Seed Collection: To avoid seed loss, fruits should be picked while green. Dried fruits can be broken up in a macerator or hammer mill.
Seed Treatment: Seeds germinate without pretreatment.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
From the National Organizations DirectoryAccording to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Tohono Chul Park, Inc. - Tucson, AZ
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
BibliographyBibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. Wasowski
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Additional resourcesUSDA: Find Simmondsia chinensis in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Simmondsia chinensis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Simmondsia chinensis
MetadataRecord Modified: 2015-07-02
Research By: TWC Staff