Simmondsia chinensis - Jojoba

Simmondsia chinensis Jojoba (a.k.a. goat nut, deer nut, pignut, wild hazel, quinine nut, coffee berry, or gray box bush) Native to Southwestern North America, it is an evergreen shrub typically growing 3-6 ft high & wide with smooth, gray-green oval leaves. Jojoba prefers full sun with little to no water after established. It has an edible oil from its fruit that is used in many skin care products. In ideal conditions, mature plants can reach 8-10 ft. if left to keep growing. Easy to grow, adaptable, and fire resistant. NOTE: Plants are dioecious (male & female flowers on separate plants) The pale green female flowers are borne singly at each leaf node. The yellowish-green male flowers are borne in clusters. Nursery grown plants are rarely sexually mature to produce fruit. Plants bloom in winter and female plants ripen their acorn-shaped seeds in early to mid summer. Optimal pollination is achieved with a planting ratio of 1:5 (M to F). Sexual maturity occurs approx. 4-5 years