Lycium
barbarum
(Barbary Matrimony Vine, Chinese Box Thorn, Duke of Argyll's
Teatree, Goji Berry, Wolfberry, Lycium halimifolium, Lycium vulgare)
Synonyms: Lycium halimifolium, Lycium vulgare
Family: Solanaceae
Origin: Native to China
Light: Full sun
Height: 6-10'
Spread: 4-8
Blooms: 1-3 in leaf axils, bell-shaped, pink/Lavender, fragrant, late Spring
Foliage: Deciduous, green, smooth, single or in threes, on short stalks
Fruits" Orange-red, oblong berries with yellow seeds, Fall
Soil: Well-drained, neutral
Water: Moderate
Propagation: Seeds, woody stem cuttings
Uses: Herbal, tea, soup, juice, container, landscaping
Propagation: Seeds, woody stem cuttings
Caution: Plant spiny - wear gloves when handling
Comments: Lycium barbarum or Barbary Matrimony Vine, Chinese Box Thorn, Duke of Argyll's Teatree or Goji Berry or Wolfberry or Lycium halimifolium or Lycium vulgare is a herbal shrub vine with a spiny, arching growth habit. It is a native of China. Goji Berry has deciduous green foliage appearing in singles or up to three on short stalks. In late Spring, Lycium barbarum produces pink lavender blossoms followed later by orange-red oblong-shaped berries in the Fall. Barbary Matrimony is easily propagated from overripe seeds or from woody stem cuttings. It performs vest in well-drained, neutral soil in a sunny location. Lycium vulgare has weak gray branches. Provide stakes for support. Chinese Box Thorn readily self-sows. Mass plant Lycium halimifolium sunny landscape for a good harvest in the Duke of Argyll's Teatree is a very useful plant. It is rich in vitamins and possess medicinal value. The juicy berries are high in antioxidant and contain properties beneficial for the vision, boost immune system and maintain youthfulness. Diabetics and people with high blood pressure also find these nutritional fruits very helpful. Goji Berry fruits can be eaten fresh, made into a juice or drink or dehydrated and stored for future use. The leaves make a tonic herbal teas. The shoots and leaves can be cooked as a vegetable. Wolfberry is very popular in the Chinese diet, popularly used in dried form, cooked in soups.
USDA Zones: 6b-9
