LEAF Network Linking Edible Arizona Forests

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goji berry

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IDENTIFICATION

Common Name

goji berry

Photo #1

Scientific Name

Lycium barbarum L.; Lycium chinense Mill.

Family

Solanaceae

Species Description

L. barbarum is a deciduous shrub that grows to 18 feet tall. L. chinense is a smaller shrub, growing to 6 feet tall. The flowers of both species are light purple to purple and appear from June to September. Fruit are scarlet to orange-red berries, 3/4 inch in diameter that mature from August to October.

NATURAL / CULTURAL HISTORY

AZ Native or Introduced

Introduced to Arizona

Natural Range

Lycium barbarum likely originated in S.E. Europe to S.W. Asia. The species now occurs from China to Southeastern Europe and is commonly cultivated in much of the U.S., West Indies, and Mexico. L. chinense occurs in thickets along riverbanks in Japan, Korea, Manchuria, China, Ryuku Islands and Formosa.

Natural Habitat

L. chinense occurs in riparian zones.

Cultural-Historic Notes

L. barbarum has a long history of cultivation. The first records of L. chinense cultivation occur in 1709.

GROWTH FORM & RATE

Growth Form

Shrub

Tree or Understory

Understory

Growth Rate

Moderate

Canopy Diameter

Variable; L. chinense can spread along the ground for more than 12 feet if unmanaged.

Tree Height

L. barbarum 18 feet; L. chinense 6 feet.

Years to Bearing, if nursery tree is 1-2 years old; grafted

2 years

Chill Hours

None required

Freeze Tolerance

L. barbarum hardy to about 5 degrees F.

Site, Micro-Climate, and Growing Considerations

Full sun or partial shade; fruit crop reduced in partial shade.

Appropriate Arizona Elevation Categories

HIGH MOUNTAIN: Flagstaff - USDA Zone 6b (-5ºF-0ºF)
HIGH PLATEAU, MOUNTAIN: Prescott, Tuba City, Winslow, Page - USDA Zones 7a-7b (0ºF-10ºF)
HIGH DESERT: Sierra Vista, Kingman, Globe, Wilcox - USDA Zones 8a-8b (10-20ºF)
MID DESERT: Tucson, Ajo, Safford, Casa Grande - USDA Zones 9a-9b (20-30ºF)
LOW DESERT: Phoenix, Lake Havasu City, Yuma - USDA Zones 9b-10a (25-35ºF)

USDA Interactive Plant Zone Map for Arizona

USDA Interactive Plant Zone Map for Arizona

WATER

Relative Plant Water Use

Medium: 20-35 inches / year

Post-Establishment Irrigation Needs

2 X Month in Growing Season

Notes on Species-Specific Water Needs

Somewhat drought tolerant, but lack of water may result in loss of fruit crop. Deep water every two weeks to weekly when fruiting.

CARE

Pollination

The flowers are perfect and pollinated by bees.

Soils

The shrubs prefer well drained soils of any type (sand-clay), and they can grow in nutritionally poor soils.

Propagation

Sow seeds in a greenhouse in early spring, and grow seedlings in a greenhouse for the first year. Plant out in the second spring or early summer. Suckers can be divided from the parent shrub in late winter. Plants produce many suckers and can become invasive under favorable conditions.

Pest & Disease Control

Netting is needed to prevent bird predation of berries. Fencing recommended to keep rabbits and deer from eating young plants.

Pruning Notes

Prune in spring to shape and remove dead wood; plants are tolerant of heavy pruning.

HARVEST & PROCESSING

Edible Parts

Ripe fruits may be eaten raw or cooked.

Harvest Months

August
September
October

Harvest and Processing Guide

Harvest and Processing Guide

LEAF is under the fiduciary stewardship of the Arizona Community Tree Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

PO Box 65122, Phoenix, Arizona 85082-5122

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

This website and other LEAF Network products shown here was prepared under the Diverse Urban Forest grant, WCG 14-501, administered by the Arizona Community Tree Council. Funds for this project were provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program administered through Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management – Urban and Community Forestry Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. In accordance with Federal law and USDA policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability (Not all prohibited basis applies to all programs). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.