Christmas Berry

(Lycium carolinianum)

Christmas Berry (Lycium carolinianum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Lycium carolinianum, commonly known as Christmas Berry, is an evergreen shrub native to coastal areas, salt marshes, and saline soils along the Gulf Coast of the United States and Mexico. This species typically reaches a height of 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters) and a width of 5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 meters). The plant has a sprawling habit with arching branches and small, fleshy leaves that are adapted to its saline environment. It produces small, tubular purple flowers which bloom from spring to fall, followed by bright red berries that persist into winter, providing a festive appearance that gives the plant its common name.

Christmas Berry is valued for its tolerance to salt and waterlogged soils, making it suitable for coastal landscaping and restoration projects. It is also used as an ornamental shrub in residential gardens for its year-round interest, particularly the colorful berries which attract birds. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and can adapt to a range of water conditions, though it naturally prefers moist to wet soils. While it is tolerant of various soil types, good drainage is beneficial. Gardeners should be aware that the plant can spread via suckers, potentially becoming invasive in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 6-8 feet
  • Width: 5-7.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, 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, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Native to coastal areas, salt marshes, and saline soils along the Gulf Coast of the United States and Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Christmasberry , Carolina Desert-Thorn , Carolina Matrimony Vine , Carolina Wolfberry , Creeping Wolfberry

Scientific Names: Lycium carolinianum , Lycium carolinianum var. carolinianum , Evoista caroliniana , Lycium carolinianum var. normale , Panzeria caroliniana

GBIF Accepted Name: Lycium carolinianum Walter