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Fruit/foliage

Solanaceae

Both igneous and limestone soils of the steep, rocky slopes in the Franklin Mountains from 3000 to 7000 feet provide a home for the pale wolfberry. It ranges north and west to New Mexico, Arizona, Southern Colorado, Southern Utah and Southern California, and south into Mexico. Thicket forming, it is a spreading, densely branched shrub with many viscious, five to ten milimeter spines on reddish or yellow to grey branches. Pale wolfberry is easily identified from the other Lyciums by its glaucous (covered with a waxy bloom), pale green, fleshy leaves which are larger than most, and by its large funnelform, waxy flowers. The flowers are somewhat bell-shaped, blue to blue-green on the outside with purple veins. The reddish berries are eaten by Arizona Native Americans and also by birds and other wildlife. Pale wolfberry has occasionally been used ornamentally since 1878, and is considered to be of value as winter browse for livestock. Pallidum refers to its pale leaves and flowers.

Plant Habit or Use: small shrub

Exposure: sun
partial sun

Flower Color: blue, green, purple

Blooming Period: spring
winter

Fruit Characteristics: red berry

Height: 3 to 6 feet

Width: 2 to 4 feet

Plant Character: evergreen

Heat Tolerance: high

Water Requirements:

Soil Requirements: adaptable

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6

Additional Comments: