Snyder Preserve - Jatropha cardiophylla | University of Arizona Campus Arboretum

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Compound: Jat car

Synonyms: Mozinna cardiophylla

Geographic Origin: southwestern US, northern MX

Characteristics: A small to medium sized, succulent shrub typically reaching 4 feet in height. Slender, flexible stems that are red to gray-red. Shiny, succulent leaves are heart-shaped with rounded teeth and are arranged alternately along the stems. Leaves drop in during dry periods. Heartleaf limberbush blooms in the spring, producing small, cream colored, goblet shaped flowers made up of five petals. Fruits contain a single large seed.

Natural History: Grows between 609-914m (2,000-3,000ft) in desert washes, bajadas, foothills, plains, and mesas

Cultivation Notes: Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. While drought-tolerant, watering during dry periods can help keep it from dropping its beautiful leaves. Propagation is usually achieved through stem cuttings or from seed. It is an excellent choice for xeriscape landscapes or rock gardens due to its low water needs and attractive foliage, flowers, and stems.

For general plant propagation information, click here

Ethnobotany: Branches used for basketmaking, roots used to make red dye.

Citations:

Firefly Forest. Retrieved April 30, 2024.

https://www.fireflyforest.com/flowers/1304/jatropha-cardiophylla-sangre-de-cristo/

SEINet Arizona – New Mexico Chapter. Retrieved April 30, 2024.

https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=3451