Species Chinese desert-thorn
small, elongated, orange fruits with green, small leaves, and pale-green stems

Chinese desert-thorn

Lycium chinense

The Chinese desert-thorn (Lycium chinense) is native to northern China’s deserts. It has a long, woody stem with a thornlike branch system. The stems are covered with small, silver-green leaves. Its small, yellowish-white bell-shaped flowers and bright red, star-shaped berries are popular with birds. It thrives in dry, sandy soil and tolerates heat and drought well. These tough, drought-resistant shrubs provide wildlife habitat and windbreaks for agricultural fields, and can be grown as ornamental landscaping plants.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 9

Flowers:

Light purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

Fruits Ready In Summer

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water the Chinese Desert-thorn sparingly. Make sure to check the soil before watering; it should be dry to the touch before watering. It does not do well sitting in water-logged soil. To water, give the soil a good soaking, and then allow it to dry out completely before watering again. During the peak of summer, when temperatures are at their highest, you can water more frequently, about once every 7-10 days. During the cooler fall and winter months, water less often, about once every 10-14 days.

sunlight

Chinese desert-thorn (Lycium chinense) is a hardy plant species that thrives in sun-filled environments. This species prefers at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Those grown indoor should be placed in an area with bright, direct light to ensure proper growth and have some additional supplemental lighting needs. If given enough light, Chinese desert-thorn can tolerate full sun to partial shade conditions, however, they need to be placed in an area where they will receive enough light to properly thrive. In the winter months, when sunlight is limited due to shorter days, supplementing with artificial lighting may be necessary.

pruning

Chinese desert-thorn should be pruned every 2 to 3 years. Pruning should begin early in the year. Prune the plants by cutting dead, diseased, or crowded branches at the plant base. This will keep the plants healthy and promote a good shape. Pruning will also help promote new growth and keep the plants producing attractive foliage and flowers. It's best to prune during the dormant period, usually in late winter or early spring. Make sure to prune judiciously and not to over-prune.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

The Chinese desert-thorn typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Lycium chinense typically begins in June and ends in August.

Hardiness Map