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Form/habitat

Solanaceae

Texas wolfberry is endemic (native only to a particular area) and restricted to sandy and rocky soils of the shrubby desert plains and canyons of the Trans Pecos at elevations of 3500 to 4600 feet. Its brownish young branches form an intricate, thorny shrub, bearing small, narrow leaves. Two flowers bloom at a node and are followed by a fleshy, red berry which is covered with short hairs. The fruit is edible raw and has also been made into a sauce. It is relished by small mammals and birds. The plant itself can provide winter forage for livestock and small wildlife habitat; it has also been used medicinally. Both summer drought and winter cold can cause Lyciums to drop their leaves. Nevertheless, with its showy fruit and spiny branches, Texas wolfberry shows ornamental potential for use as a loose barrier hedge or specimen plant.

Plant Habit or Use:

Exposure: sun
partial sun

Flower Color: lavender fading to white

Blooming Period: spring
summer
fall

Fruit Characteristics: red-orange fleshy berry

Height:

Width:

Plant Character: deciduous
evergreen

Heat Tolerance: very high

Water Requirements:

Soil Requirements: alkaline

USDA Hardiness Zone: 8

Additional Comments: