Berlandier’s Wolfberry

(Lycium berlandieri)

Berlandier’s Wolfberry (Lycium berlandieri)

Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM

CC0

Image By: Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM | License Type: CC0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en | Uploader: Josve05a | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Lycium_berlandieri_-_Flickr_-_aspidoscelis_(3).jpg | Notes: User created page with UploadWizard |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Lycium berlandieri, commonly known as Berlandier’s Wolfberry, is a deciduous shrub native to the desert regions, arid shrublands, and thorn scrub of Mexico, as well as the southwestern United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. It can grow up to 2 meters (6 ft 7 in) tall with a similar spread, and has a deep root system that may extend 9 meters (30 ft) from the plant, allowing it to access water during dry periods. The branches are spiny, providing a measure of protection against herbivory. During droughts, it sheds its leaves to conserve water and enters a state of dormancy. The flowers are bell-shaped, typically white to pale lavender, and can be solitary or borne in pairs, blooming from late spring to early summer. The fruit is a small, juicy red berry that is attractive to wildlife, particularly birds.

Berlandier’s Wolfberry is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in harsh conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in arid regions. It is also used for habitat restoration projects. The plant’s longevity, with an average lifespan of 90 years, ensures its presence in the landscape for generations. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and well-drained soils, tolerating a range of soil types from sandy to loamy. It is low maintenance, needing minimal supplemental water once established. While not commonly used in ornamental horticulture, its berries are edible and have been used in traditional medicine.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub
Height: 3-6.5 feet
Width: 3-6 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Blue, Purple, White
Flowering Season: Winter, Spring, Fall, Summer
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Low
Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Native to desert regions, arid shrublands, and thorn scrub in Northern Mexico and the southwestern United States

Other Names

Common Names: Berlandier Wolfberry

Scientific Names: , Lycium berlandieri, Lycium berlandieri var. peninsulare, Lycium berlandieri var. berlandieri, Lycium barbinodum, Lycium berlandieri subsp. peninsulare, Lycium stolidum, Lycium palmeri, Lycium berlandieri var. barbinodum, Lycium peninsulare

GBIF Accepted Name: Lycium berlandieri Dunal