Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Solanaceae

Genus:

Lycium

Species:

Lycium torreyi

USDA Symbol:

LYTO

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

400 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

lavender, purple

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Reported Fauna Sightings

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; adapted to periodic burning in desert scrub communities.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.5 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to arid desert regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment. Fresh seed germinates best.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI