Matt's 9b field note
“Bought on a whim — 'still hasn't fruited.' The jury's out.”
Background
Lycium ruthenicum, the black wolfberry, native to Central Asia (Caucasus to western China), where it endures drought, extreme cold, salinity, and poor soils. A traditional high-value medicinal plant; gained 'superfood' attention for its anthocyanin-rich black berries. U.S. nursery documentation is thin.
Distinguishing traits
Thorny shrub 4-8 ft with small gray-green fleshy leaves; lilac funnel-shaped flowers; berries ripen from green to purple to black and are only edible fully ripe (green berries are reportedly toxic). Self-fertile; often slow to bear, commonly 3-4 years from seed.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- None required.
- Cold hardiness
- Extremely hardy, to about -20°F or below (zone 5, possibly colder).
- Heat tolerance
- Very heat, drought, and salt tolerant.
- Water
- Low once established; avoid overwatering.
- Soil
- Well-drained, sandy preferred; tolerates alkaline and poor soils.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun.
Where to buy
- Planting Justice