Solanaceae
Pale desert-thorn
Lycium pallidum
Also known as Lycium pallidum, Pale wolfberry, Pale desert wolfberry, Lycium pallidum var. normale
Flowering Plants · Native Plants · Trees & Shrubs · Desert · Xeriscape · Native · Shrub · Drought-Tolerant · Southwest · Wildlife · Alkaline-Soil · Deciduous · Low-Water
Pale desert-thorn is a hardy deciduous shrub native to arid regions of the American Southwest that thrives on neglect once established. Plant it in fast-draining soil in full sun and water sparingly, as overwatering is detrimental; it is highly adapted to dry, alkaline conditions. Its small pale flowers and berries attract pollinators and birds, making it an excellent choice for xeriscape or native habitat gardens.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 7 hours
- Watering
- Water sparingly; allow soil to dry completely between waterings · Every 14-21 days
- Maintenance
- Low
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 7–8.5
- Temperature
- -25°F to 95°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Cutting
Hardiness
USDA 4b-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 12 in – 4 ft
- Spread
- 4 ft
- Spacing
- 48 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- Yes
- Foliage
- Medium
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Arizona, California, Colorado, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies, Birds
Sources: trefle, usda
More Lycium
Related plants from the same genus
Lycium pallidum var. oligospermum
Lycium pallidum var. oligospermum
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Lycium barbarum
Full Sun · Moderate · Moderate
Lycium carolinianum
Lycium carolinianum
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Lycium carolinianum var. quadrifidum
Lycium carolinianum var. quadrifidum
Partial Sun · Moderate · Slow
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