Hawai'I Desert-Thorn
Lycium carolinianum var. sandwicense
- Native to:
- Easter Is., Hawaii, Juan Fernández Is., Nansei-shoto, Ogasawara-shoto, Pitcairn Is., Tonga, Tuamotu, Tubuai Is., United States
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Solanaceae
- Genus:
- Lycium
- Species:
- Lycium carolinianum var. sandwicense
- USDA Symbol:
- LYSA3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jan,feb,mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov,dec
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, lavender, white
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Loxostege floridalis
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from roots after fire or disturbance; adapted to coastal dune fire regimes.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Commonly found in coastal areas with saline influence