Jojoba, Goatnut

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 18°F (-8°C)

Heat Tolerance: Full sun or light shade in hot deserts

Sun Exposure: Full sun to part sun, tolerates reflected heat

Origin: USA (Southern California, Arizona) and Mexico (Baja California)

Growth Habits: Large, irregular, evergreen shrub, slow growing to 6 to 10 feet tall (1.8-3 m), 6 to 8 feet wide (1.8-2.4 m); leathery, blue-green, leaves, 1 to 2.5 inches long (2.5-6 cm), 0.25 to 0.8 inch wide (6-20 mm)

Watering Needs: Little to moderate water, water established plants every month at least in summer, although the plants will survive almost everywhere without additional water.

Propagation: Seeds, cuttings of selected clone

By Kenneth Bosma

The jojoba is valued for the oil from its seeds. The oil is mainly used for lotions, shampoos, and conditioners because of its antisebum properties. It is a high quality oil that is used as replacement for whale oil.

Simmondsia chinensis, Picture U.S.D.A Forest Service, Courtesy of the Hunt Institute

Fruiting Habits:
A male and a female bushes need to be present to have fruit, occasionally both types of flowers are present on the same plant. The nut is edible, tasting somewhat like hazelnut, but it is slightly bitter until cured.

Culture:
Plant in spring from containers. Plant does best with occasional deep watering. Fertilize in spring.