Lycium andersonii (Wolfberry or Manzanita) and Lycium fremontii (Fremont's Wolfberry) are both native plants in the southwestern United States, but they differ in some key ways. L. andersonii has smaller, usually narrower leaves, while L. fremontii has larger, bright green, spatulate leaves. L. fremontii also tends to have more glandular pubescence (hairy) on its leaves and stems. Additionally, L. fremontii flowers are generally dark purple and erect, while L. andersonii flowers are often smaller and may be slightly purplish. L. fremontii fruits are tomato-like, while L. andersonii berries are bitter.

Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: water-jacket, redberry desert-thorn, Anderson thornbush, Anderson's desert thorn, Anderson boxthorn, Anderson lycium, Anderson wolfberry, and squawberry
  • Synonyms:
  • Family: Solanaceae (Nightshades)
  • Genus Information: The Mojave Desert contains four species of Lycium, also known as wolfberry or desert thorn. These species are Lycium andersonii, Lycium freemontii, Lycium pallidum, and Lycium shockleyi. Worlwide 70-100 species including the Gogi berry.

Habit and Size

  • Duration: perennial
  • Habit: shrub
  • Shape: round
  • Size: 8-10 feet (2.7 m)
  • Stem: woody

Leaves

  • Color: green and fleshy
  • Shape: oval, obvate
  • Edge: smooth
  • Arrangement: alternate
  • Leaf Retention: deciduous

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: monoecious
  • Flower Color: purple
  • Flower Size: 1/4 inch
  • Number of Petals:
  • Bloom: Feb, Mar, Apr, May
  • Fruit: red berry

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: moderate
  • Light: full sun
  • Soil: sandy, gravelly
  • Habitat: washes and on slopes and mesas. It tolerates some soil salinity and alkaline soils such as caliche

Distribution

  • Distribution: AZ, CA, NM, NV, UT and nw Mexico
  • Seen:
  • Elevation: 1500-6000 feet (457-1829 m)

Photographs

Anderson Boxthorn (Lycium andersonii)

Phoenix, AZ

Anderson Boxthorn (Lycium andersonii)

Phoenix, AZ