Safety note: Toxic; seeds and sap can cause severe poisoning if ingested.
Desert Jatropha is a native succulent shrub of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico, with large palmate leaves that appear after summer rains and crimson flowers. It retreats to a leafless, thick-stemmed form during drought. Hummingbirds and large bees visit the flowers.
Habitat
Rocky desert slopes and washes in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts
Diet
Red flowers consumed by black-chinned hummingbirds; seeds eaten by doves
How common
Uncommon
Recent Desert Jatropha sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Desert Jatropha? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free