Carolina Desert-Thorn

Lycium carolinianum

Native to:
Cuba, Easter Is., Juan Fernández Is., Mexico, Nansei-shoto, Ogasawara-shoto, Pitcairn Is., Tonga, Tuamotu, Tubuai Is., United States

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Solanaceae
Genus:
Lycium
Species:
Lycium carolinianum
USDA Symbol:
LYCA2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
200 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun,Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
purple, lavender, blue
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Loxostege floridalis

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from roots after fire; tolerates periodic burns in coastal prairie and scrub habitats.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
commonly found in coastal areas and salt marshes

Propagation & Germination

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI