Lycium Barbarum

Plant Details

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General Information

Scientific name: Lycium Barbarum

Also known as: Goji, Box Thorn, Matrimony vine

Images: Google Images

Plant Properties

Layer: Shrub

Format: Smal

Height: 2.50 m

Width: 4.00 m

Growth Rate: Moderate

Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 6-9

Soil Moisture:
Moist

Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)

pH:
Acid Neutral Basic

Light:
Half shade, Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Fruit, Leaves, Tea

Edibility:
(4)

Medicinal:
(3)

Features:
Hedge

Description

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is a berry of about 2 cm in diameter with a mild sweet licorice flavor. Only fully ripe fruits should be eaten. Young shoots can be cooked and are mainly used as a flavoring. They can also be lightly boiled for 3-4 minutes and used as a vegetable. The taste is somewhat cherry-like, but some also find it mint-like. The leaves should be used quickly after harvesting and may require caution. The leaves can be used as a tea substitute. Please refer to the notes at the top of the page for more information.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 15/08

End of Harvest: 31/10

Guilds

Guild Information

Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.

Guild Details

Guild	Description
Diospyros lotus Date Plum	Acts as a nitrogen-fixing plant, improving soil fertility and supporting the growth of Lycium Barbarum.
Diospyros virginiana American Persimmon	Provides shade that helps control temperature and enhances moisture retention for Lycium Barbarum.
Fraxinus Excelsior Ash, European ash, Common Ash	Shades during hot seasons, which benefits Lycium Barbarum's growth cycle.
Crataegus laevigata Midland Hawthorn, Smooth hawthorn, English Hawthorn	Offers additional food resources through its berries, attracting beneficial insects and pollinators.
Corylus avellana Hazel	Provides a habitat for beneficial insects and improves soil structure with its deep roots.
Oenothera biennis Evening Primrose	Enhances soil health through its deep roots and attracts pollinators with its flowers.
Rubus idaeus Raspberry	Competes with weeds effectively while providing a habitat for beneficial organisms.
Malus domestica Apple	Attracts pollinators that can also benefit the flowering of Lycium Barbarum.
Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle	Climbs around Lycium Barbarum, offering additional support while enhancing aesthetics.
Acer saccharum, Acer spp. Sugar Maple, Florida Maple, Hard Maple, Rock Maple	Repels certain pests while providing aromatic foliage that can enhance flavor.