Contents
Description
Lycium Exsertum, also known as Desert Thorn, is a thorny shrub that belongs to the Solanaceae family. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide. It has a sprawling habit with many branches that form a dense canopy.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Lycium |
Appearance
The leaves of Lycium Exsertum are small, linear, and gray-green in color. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and pale lavender in color. They bloom from late spring to early summer. The fruits are bright red and spherical, about the size of a pea. They ripen in the fall and persist through the winter. The plant’s thorny branches are stiff and grow in an irregular pattern.
Care Guide
Lycium Exsertum is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types but prefers well-draining soil. The plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. However, it will benefit from occasional deep watering during hot and dry periods. The plant does not require fertilization but will benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring. Lycium Exsertum prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lycium Exsertum is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it may be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be affected by root rot if overwatered, but this can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage.
Habitat
Lycium Exsertum is native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It grows in rocky and sandy soils, on hillsides and in washes. The plant is adapted to hot and dry conditions and can tolerate temperatures up to 110°F.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lycium Exsertum poisonous?
A: No, Lycium Exsertum is not poisonous to humans or animals.
Q: Can Lycium Exsertum be grown indoors?
A: No, Lycium Exsertum is not suitable for indoor growing as it requires full sun and well-draining soil.
Q: Does Lycium Exsertum attract wildlife?
A: Yes, Lycium Exsertum is a popular food source for birds and other wildlife.
Q: How often should Lycium Exsertum be pruned?
A: Lycium Exsertum does not require frequent pruning. However, it can be pruned to maintain its shape and size in the late winter or early spring.
Related Plants
- Lycium Barbarum
- Lycium Chinense
- Lycium Europaeum
- Lycium Pallidum
References
- Arizona Cooperative Extension. (n.d.). Desert Thorn (Lycium exsertum). Retrieved October 22, 2021, from https://extension.arizona.edu/desert-thorn-lycium-exsertum.
- California Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Lycium exsertum. Retrieved October 22, 2021, from https://www.calscape.org/Lycium-exsertum-()
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. (n.d.). Lycium exsertum. Retrieved October 22, 2021, from https://ucanr.edu/sites/UrbanHort/California_Native_Plants/Lycium_exsertum/.
