Plant Details

Lycium Barbarum

Goji, Box Thorn, Matrimony vine

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Lycium Barbarum.

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General Information

Scientific name: Lycium Barbarum
Also known as: Goji, Box Thorn, Matrimony vine

Plant Properties

Layer: Shrub
Size: Small
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:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Partial shade, Full 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