Harvesting Jojoba “Nuts”

~ Jojoba, Goat Nut ~ Summer is harvest time for one of our prized desert plants, Jojoba or Goat Nut (Simmondsia chinensis). As well as being valued for its drought tolerance and fire resistance in southwest yards, this durable, attractive evergreen shrub produces seeds from which the popular “jojoba oil” is extracted for use worldwide in cosmetics and body-care products. Its seeds can also be eaten if roasted, or made into a beverage. We’ll share with you how to prepare these […]

Plant of the Month – August

Desert Almond Prunus fasciculata Plant Form: Deciduous shrub Water Use: Very low Mature Size: 6-10’ tall & wide Exposure: Full sun, part sun Bloom Time: Spring (March – May); fruit Summer (June – July) Native to: California, Arizona, Nevada, & Utah (at elevations below 7,300 feet) Hardiness: Cold Hardy to 20°F   Desert Almond is a densely-branched, fast-growing, deciduous shrub that makes a good screen or background plant. Its small, linear leaves are arranged in bundles on the stems, which […]