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Summary

Lycium species, Boxthorns have adapted to hot, dry conditions and drought tolerance and are often found in dry, desert-like environments. Goji (L. barbarum) has ripe, nutrient-rich berries eaten raw or cooked and has a mild, sweet liquorice flavour. Young shoots are cooked and used mainly as a flavouring or lightly cooked as a vegetable, with a flavour similar to cress or peppermint. Chinese Boxthorn (L. chinense) has similar uses to Goji. With a sweet, aniseed-like flavour, ripe fruit is eaten raw, cooked in soups or dried for later use. African Boxthorn (L. ferocissimum) berries, leaves, stems and roots are toxic to humans. They are highly resilient to heat and drought and are used as hedges or ornamental plants. It is invasive in some regions. European Boxthorn (L. europaeum) grows in rocky and sandy soils, thriving in drought conditions. They are grown for hedging and erosion control. It has edible berries eaten ripe. Desert Thorn's (L. andersonii) native range is from New Mexico to the NW. Mexico, where it grows in desert or dry shrubland. The berries are edible, but other species are preferred. It is used in xeriscaping and for erosion control in dry landscapes. Harvesting: Late summer to early autumn when the berries are fully ripe and have turned bright red.

Physical Characteristics

Lycium andersonii is a deciduous Shrub at a medium rate. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked[61, 177]. It can also be dried and used whole as a flavouring in soups or ground into a powder and used as a mush or mixed with cereal flours[161, 257]. Only the fully ripe fruits should be eaten[K].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Cancer

The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers[214].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Soil stabilization

Agroforestry uses: Goji can be used in agroforestry systems as a hedgerow or windbreak due to its dense growth. It also contributes to soil health and attracts beneficial insects. Plants have an extensive root system and can be planted to stabilize banks[200]. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Yes – Lycium species produce flowers that are rich in nectar and attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. 2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): Yes – The fruit (Goji berries) is consumed by birds and small mammals. The plant’s dense, thorny structure provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small wildlife. 3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): Yes – The thorny branches can offer overwintering shelter for insects and invertebrates, and the leaf litter adds to groundcover, supporting beneficial organisms. 4. Pest Confuser (Smell): No – Lycium species are not typically known for emitting strong scents that would confuse or repel pests.

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Does not require a rich soil, flowering and fruiting better in a well-drained soil of moderate quality[11]. Succeeds in impoverished soils[200]. Requires a sunny position[200]. Tolerates maritime exposure[200]. Many Lycium species, including Goji berries, are self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit from their flowers. Goji berries are usually harvested in late summer to early autumn, when the berries are fully ripe and have turned bright red. Lycium species generally flower in late spring to early summer, producing small, tubular flowers that can be purple or white. Lycium species are moderately fast-growing plants, often reaching a height of about 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) within a couple of years, depending on growing conditions.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. Germination is usually good and fairly quick. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Pinch out the shoot tips of the young plants in order to encourage bushy growth[78]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel if possible, July/August in individual pots in a frame. Good percentage[78]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, autumn to late winter in a cold frame. High percentage[78, 200]. Division of suckers in late winter. Very easy, the suckers can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. Layering.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (New Mexico (west), Arizona, California, Nevada (south), Utah), Mexico (Baja California (Norte), Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, Sonora)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Berberis lycium		Shrub	3.0	5-9	M	LMH	SN	DM	3	3	1
Lycium afrum		Shrub	2.0	8-11		LMH	N	DM	1	2	3
Lycium arabicum		Shrub	0.0	-		LMH	N	M	1	2	2
Lycium australe		Shrub	1.0	-		LMH	N	DM	1	2	2
Lycium barbarum	Goji, Box Thorn, Matrimony vine	Shrub	2.5	6-9	M	LMH	SN	M	4	3	3
Lycium berlandieri	Berlandier's wolfberry	Shrub	0.0	0-0		LMH	N	DM	1	2	2
Lycium carolinianum	Christmas Berry, Carolina desert-thorn	Shrub	1.5	7-10		LMH	N	M	3	2	3
Lycium chinense	Chinese Boxthorn, Chinese desert-thorn	Shrub	2.5	5-9	M	LMH	N	M	4	3	3
Lycium europaeum	European tea-tree, Box thorn,	Shrub	4.0	8-11	M	LMH	N	M	3	2	3
Lycium ferocissimum	African Boxthorn	Shrub	3.0	8-11	M	LMH	N	DM	0	0	2
Lycium fremontii	Desert Thorn, Fremont's desert-thorn	Shrub	3.0	0-0		LMH	N	DM	1	2	2
Lycium pallidum	Pale Wolfberry, Pale desert-thorn, Rabbit thorn	Shrub	1.8	5-9		LMH	N	DM	3	2	3
Lycium ruthenicum		Shrub	2.0	5-9		LMH	N	DM	3	2	3
Lycium schweinfurthii		Shrub	2.0	-		LMH	N	DM	2	2	2
Lycium torreyi	Squawthorn, Torrey wolfberry	Shrub	3.0	0-0		LMH	N	DM	2	2	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Lycium andersonii - Gray.