Pale Desert-Thorn

Lycium pallidum

Native to:
Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Solanaceae
Genus:
Lycium
Species:
Lycium pallidum
USDA Symbol:
LYPA

Growth Characteristics

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

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from root crown following fire; tolerates periodic burning in desert scrub habitats.

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:
Thrives in arid desert conditions; drought-tolerant.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate best with cold stratification; may have variable germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI