California Boxthorn
(Lycium californicum)
California Boxthorn (Lycium californicum)
/
/
Millie Basden
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Millie Basden
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Millie Basden | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Millie Basden | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-01-26T12:20:05-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Lycium californicum, commonly known as California boxthorn or California desert-thorn, is an evergreen shrub native to coastal sage scrub and chaparral, desert washes, and arroyos in California, Arizona, Baja California, and the Mexican Pacific Islands. It is a member of the nightshade family and is characterized by its thorny, rigid-spreading branches. This shrub typically grows to a height of 1-4 meters and can spread equally wide. The leaves are thick, fleshy, and bulbous, measuring 3–10 millimeters in length, and are well-adapted to its arid native habitat. The flowers are widely triangular and bell-shaped, white with purple streaks or spots, and bloom from late winter to early spring. The flowers are followed by bright red, shiny berries that are 3–6 millimeters in diameter, which are attractive to birds and other wildlife.
California boxthorn is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in arid regions. It is also used for erosion control and as a habitat plant for wildlife. In cultivation, it requires full sun, very low amounts of water, and well-drained soils. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It is also important to note that the plant’s thorns can make it challenging to handle, so it should be placed where it will not pose a hazard to passersby.CC BY-SA 4.0
California boxthorn is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in arid regions. It is also used for erosion control and as a habitat plant for wildlife. In cultivation, it requires full sun, very low amounts of water, and well-drained soils. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It is also important to note that the plant’s thorns can make it challenging to handle, so it should be placed where it will not pose a hazard to passersby.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Very Low
- Drainage: Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to coastal sage scrub, chaparral, desert washes, and arroyos
Other Names
Common Names: California Boxthorn
Scientific Names: , Lycium californicum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Lycium californicum Nutt. ex A.Gray