Jojoba

Where Does Jojoba Grow Naturally?

Jojoba is native to the Sonoran, Mojave, and Chihuahuan deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Wild populations occur in Arizona, southern California, and northwestern Mexico at elevations from sea level to 5,000 feet. This plant performs best in USDA zones 8 through 11. Landscape architects working in hot, arid regions will find this species particularly valuable for its extreme drought tolerance. The plant adapts to sandy, rocky, gravelly, or nutrient-poor soils common in desert environments. It requires excellent drainage and fails in heavy clay soils or areas with poor drainage.

What Does Jojoba Look Like?

This evergreen shrub forms a dense, rounded mound that typically reaches 4 to 6 feet tall and spreads 4 to 6 feet wide. Under ideal conditions with supplemental water, mature specimens can reach 8 to 10 feet in height and width. The leathery, gray-green to silvery-green leaves are oval to elliptical, measuring 1 to 2 inches long. The waxy leaf coating gives them a distinctive appearance and helps reduce water loss. Leaves grow opposite along gray-brown stems. The dense branching pattern creates a compact form that provides effective screening. The silvery foliage color remains consistent year-round, providing reliable visual interest in all seasons.

When Does Jojoba Bloom?

Small, inconspicuous pale yellow to greenish-yellow flowers appear from late winter through early spring, typically from February through April. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants, as jojoba is dioecious. Male flowers produce pollen while female flowers develop into acorn-shaped seeds after pollination. The flowers are not showy and measure only about one-quarter inch across. Female plants produce seeds from late spring through summer, typically maturing by June or July. The seeds are hard-shelled capsules containing the oil-rich kernel used commercially.

How Fast Does Jojoba Grow?

Jojoba exhibits slow to moderate growth rates, particularly during establishment. New plantings typically take 3 to 5 years to reach mature size. First-year growth focuses on developing an extensive root system that can extend 10 to 20 feet deep and equally wide. Above-ground growth accelerates in years two and three once roots are established. This slow initial growth is an adaptation to desert conditions and contributes to the plant's exceptional drought tolerance. The long establishment period means patience is required, but the result is a virtually indestructible shrub that can live 100 years or more.

What Are the Sunlight Requirements?

This desert native needs full sun exposure for optimal growth and health. Plan for at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Jojoba tolerates partial shade but develops a more open growth habit and produces fewer flowers and seeds in reduced light. South-facing and west-facing exposures provide ideal conditions. The plant actually performs better in intense desert sun and high temperatures than in cooler, shadier conditions. Insufficient light causes leggy growth and reduced foliage density.

How Much Water Does Jojoba Need?

Water requirements change dramatically after establishment. During the first year, water deeply once per week to encourage root development extending deep into the soil profile. In year two, reduce watering to twice per month. After full establishment (typically 2 to 3 years), this shrub becomes extremely drought tolerant and can survive on natural rainfall alone in most desert regions receiving 3 to 10 inches annually. For more lush appearance and faster growth, provide supplemental water once per month during summer. Overwatering is the primary cause of jojoba failure, leading to root rot and fungal diseases. The plant tolerates extended drought better than any amount of excess moisture.

Does This Plant Support Pollinators and Wildlife?

The flowers attract native bees, honeybees, and other small pollinators during late winter and early spring when few other plants bloom. This early nectar source supports pollinator populations during critical periods. The seeds provide occasional food for desert rodents, though they contain compounds that make them unpalatable to many animals. Birds sometimes use the dense branches for nesting and shelter. The plant is highly deer resistant due to the tough, waxy foliage. Including jojoba in landscape designs supports native pollinator populations and provides wildlife habitat structure in desert ecosystems.

What Is the Cultural and Economic Significance of Jojoba?

Indigenous peoples of the Southwest, including the Tohono O'odham, Seri, and other tribes, traditionally used jojoba seeds as a food source after careful preparation to remove bitter compounds. They also extracted the oil for medicinal purposes, treating skin conditions and using it as hair care. Today, jojoba oil is a significant commercial crop valued in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications. The oil is chemically similar to human sebum, making it an excellent moisturizer. This plant represents both cultural heritage and economic value in southwestern landscapes. Commercial jojoba plantations exist throughout Arizona and California.

What Is the Cold Tolerance of Jojoba?

This plant tolerates temperatures down to approximately 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit when properly established. Brief cold snaps to 15 degrees cause minimal damage to mature plants. Prolonged freezes below 15 degrees may damage foliage and stems, but established plants typically recover. Young plants are more cold-sensitive than mature specimens. In USDA zone 8 areas with occasional hard freezes, provide protection for young plants during their first two winters. Plant in warmer microclimates near south-facing walls in marginal zones. In zones 9 through 11, cold damage is rarely a concern.

What Maintenance Does Jojoba Require?

Pruning needs are minimal once the plant reaches desired size. Light shaping in late winter or early spring maintains form and removes any frost-damaged stems. The plant responds well to pruning if reduction in size is needed. Avoid heavy pruning during hot summer months. Fertilization is not necessary and may actually harm the plant, as it is adapted to nutrient-poor soils. Watch for root rot in poorly drained soils, which is the primary cause of plant failure. The plant has virtually no pest problems in appropriate sites. Remove dead wood as needed. Jojoba requires far less maintenance than most ornamental shrubs once established.

Do You Need Male and Female Plants?

Jojoba is dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female. Both sexes are needed for seed production. If seed production is not desired, you can plant either sex. For landscape purposes without seed production goals, the sex of the plant does not matter for ornamental value. If you want seed production for wildlife value or potential harvest, plant approximately one male plant for every four to eight female plants. Male and female plants look identical until they flower. Most nurseries do not sex plants before sale unless specifically growing for seed production. This is important information for large-scale plantings or commercial jojoba operations.

How Should Landscape Architects Use This Plant?

Designers incorporate Jojoba in multiple landscape applications:
Erosion control: The extensive root system stabilizes slopes and prevents soil erosion on hillsides and embankments in desert regions.

Foundation plantings: The compact size and evergreen foliage work well as foundation shrubs near buildings in desert-style architecture.

Border screens: Plant in rows on 4 to 5-foot centers to create informal hedges or property line screens that require no shearing.

Mixed desert gardens: The silvery foliage creates excellent contrast with green-foliaged plants like mesquite or with colorful accents like red yucca and penstemon.

Rock gardens: The drought tolerance and architectural form make this ideal for boulder gardens and xeriscape designs with decomposed granite.

Habitat restoration: Use in native plant restoration projects to support pollinators and recreate authentic Sonoran or Mojave desert plant communities.

Commercial landscapes: Minimal maintenance requirements make this suitable for large-scale developments, business parks, and median strips.

Firebreak plantings: The high moisture content in leaves provides some fire resistance compared to many dry-foliaged desert shrubs.

Coastal landscapes: Salt tolerance makes jojoba suitable for coastal regions with sandy soils and salt spray exposure.

What Spacing and Placement Work Best?

Space plants 5 to 6 feet apart on center for individual specimens that maintain distinct forms at maturity. For informal hedge or screen effects, space plants 4 to 5 feet apart. For large-scale erosion control, space 6 to 8 feet apart. Plant at least 3 feet from walkways and structures to allow for mature spread. Keep plantings at least 3 feet from building foundations to prevent moisture accumulation. In mixed plantings, pair with other deep-rooted desert natives like palo verde, desert willow, or fairy duster that share similar water requirements. Avoid planting near high-water-use landscape areas.

What Soil Conditions Does Jojoba Prefer?

Jojoba requires excellent drainage and adapts to poor soil quality. The plant tolerates pH ranges from 5.0 to 8.0, handling both acidic and alkaline conditions. Sandy, gravelly, rocky, or decomposed granite soils provide ideal growing conditions. The plant actually performs better in nutrient-poor soils than in rich, amended soils. Do not add compost or fertilizer, as excess nutrients and organic matter can cause problems. In heavy clay soils, this plant will fail unless drainage is dramatically improved through grading and soil modification. Plant on berms or slopes rather than in flat areas where water may accumulate.

Why Choose Jojoba?

Landscape architects and designers select this plant for extreme drought tolerance, minimal maintenance requirements, and authentic desert character in southwestern landscapes. The combination of silvery evergreen foliage, deep root system, long lifespan, and ecological value makes it a practical solution for multiple design challenges. This species addresses both functional needs like erosion control and water conservation, and aesthetic goals like year-round color and desert authenticity in sustainable arid landscape design. The plant's cultural significance and commercial history add narrative depth to designed spaces. Jojoba is particularly valuable for large-scale commercial projects, residential xeriscape gardens, and restoration projects throughout the Southwest where true desert character and ultra-low water use are priorities.