It is drought deciduous, blooming in Feb-Mar. Bees, butterfly, and hummingbirds pollinate the purple, tubular flowers and other desert creatures use the shrub as habitat - especially birds who eat the fruits. Although the berries are edible for human consumption, (they are related to the Goji berry), be careful as they may blacken your teeth.

The fruit, as well as the thick branching habit make the wolfberry an excellent bird-attracting plant. COMMON SPECIES FOUND IN ARIZONA: Wolfberry or Frutilla (Lycium brevipes) In cultivation it flowers any month, with the best blooms from November through March. Wolfberry or Manzanita (Lycium andersonii) Rounded bush 4-6' tall. Leaves are ...

The wolfberry has green, oval shaped leaves with an alternate arrangement. These leaves are fleshy and three-quarters of an inch by one-fourth of an inch. The wolfberry is also a winter evergreen meaning it keeps its’ leaves throughout the winter.

It may surprise many to know that Arizona has quite a few varieties of wild berries that thrive in its arid and rugged environment. From the enchanting Sonoran Desert to the breathtaking Mogollon Rim, there are numerous opportunities to discover these delightful fruits.

Wolfberry, desert-thorn, matrimony-vine (Solanaceae – Nightshade Family): Spanish name(s): tomatillo O’odham name(s): kuávul, kuáwul. Characteristics Dense, weakly-spined shrub of a somewhat irregular form. Grows along washes and on …

Acai, which is indigenous to the Amazon rain forest, also has its merits, but none of these can compete with wolfberries as the perfect backyard superfood. As you read through this article, I think you will see what I mean.

We also have a native wolfberry (Lyceum pallidum) in northern Arizona which is also called rabbit thorn. This plant is often associated with prehistoric diets and is often found growing near archeological sites in our area.

Wolfberries may be dried and used in granola, trail mix, and cereal. Fresh berries may be used in soups, stews, syrups, stuffing, and jams. Wolfberries are a great source of vitamins A, B2, and C, as well as calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc.

A detailed description for Lycium exsertum, Arizona Desert-thorn, also called Boxthorn, Littleleaf Wolfberry, Wolfberry (Spanish: Frutilla).

Common Name: Wolfberry, Tomatillo Family: Solanaceae, Nightshade Family. Duration: Perennial Size: Up to 10 feet or so. Growth Form: A robust woody shrub with fleshy leaves. …