Common Name:
leatherstem, sangre de drago
Family Name:
Euphorbiaceae
Botanical Name:
Jatropha dioica
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The leaves of the Sangre de Drago are around an inch long and one-fourth of an inch wide. During the colder fall months, it loses its leaves only to grow them back in the spring, making it a deciduous shrub. When the stem is broken, the yellow sap will turn blood red upon contact with air.
Compound:
Jat dio
Geographic Origin:
Southwest US, Texas, Northern Mexico
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
MX, SW
Natural History:
The J. dioica is endemic to Mexico and Texas ad has been distributed to the Southwest of Texas and Northern Meixco.
Cultivation Notes:
This species is perfect in transition or arid xeriscape landscaping. It has a very fast growth rate and grows best in full sun with moderate amounts of water. The Sangre de Drago is relatively hardy at around at least 15℉.
Ethnobotany:
In a landscape setting the J. dioica functions beautifully in a cactus or succulent garden, and even as a container plant.
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
ForeSummer
Color:
White
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
Citations:
Mielke, Judy. Native Plants for Southwestern Landscapes. University of Texas Press, 1993.
