This document summarizes information about the Baja Desert-thorn shrub, including that it is a woody, evergreen shrub native to coastal southern California and northern Mexico. It grows 8-12 feet tall and wide, with small succulent leaves and stout thorns. In spring it produces small white to lavender flowers followed by edible red fruits. As an drought tolerant plant suitable for desert landscapes, it provides habitat and food for birds and other wildlife with little maintenance required.

1. * Baja Desert-thorn – Lycium brevipes
(LISS-ee-um BRE-vi-pees)
Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade Family)
Native to: S. Channel Islands & western Sonoran Desert to N. Mexico; bluffs and canyons, below
2000’ – often coastal.
woody shrub
mature height: 8-12 ft.
mature width: 8-12 ft.
Large woody shrub with shape largely dependent on available water – large & more upright in
garden setting.
Dense, hedge-like foliage is evergreen (with occasional water) or drought
deciduous. Bark gray. Leaves small, succulent pale-green to gray-green. Stout thorns at branch
ends typical of the Boxthorns (Lycium spp.).
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in spring, often Mar-May in our area. Flowers small, white to lavender, in
hanging masses. Flowers are pretty but small - not as showy as the bright red fruits that ripen in
late spring or summer. Fruits are edible – use like tomato for sauces, dried in soups, stews.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most often used in desert-inspired landscapes but useful elsewhere.
used as a large shrub, screen or hedge plant. Excellent choice for dry slopes.
Usually
Good habitat plant.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs like Oleander.
Excellent all-round habitat plant: flowers attract native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds;
provides dense cover, nesting sites and fruit for birds. Provides cover for ground dwellers.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun; takes reflected heat
Any well-drained soil; local pH including moderately alkali
Occasional water – Zone 1-2 to 2
None needed
Inorganic mulch best
Management:
Little maintenance required. May be pruned to natural or semi-formal hedge.
Propagation: from seed: easy in spring
by cuttings: divisions (spring); half-woody in summer
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 6, 8, 13, 14
7/29/12
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