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Description
Lycium Fremontii, commonly known as Fremont’s boxthorn or desert thorn, is a shrub that belongs to the Solanaceae family. It is native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it thrives in the desert and semi-desert habitats. The shrub can grow up to 9 feet tall and has a dense, thorny canopy of branches that produces small, trumpet-shaped flowers and red berries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Lycium |
Appearance
The Lycium Fremontii shrub has a dense, thorny canopy of branches that can grow up to 9 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Its leaves are elongated and have a gray-green color, with small hairs on the underside. The shrub produces small, trumpet-shaped flowers that are pale lavender or white in color, and they bloom from March to June. The flowers give way to red berries that are about half an inch in diameter and have a sweet taste.
Care Guide
Lycium Fremontii is a hardy shrub that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: The shrub should be watered regularly during the first growing season to help establish its root system. Afterward, it can survive on rainfall alone, but it will benefit from occasional watering during the hottest and driest months.- Fertilization: Lycium Fremontii doesn’t require much fertilizer, but it can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring.- Soil: The shrub prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.- Sunlight: Lycium Fremontii thrives in full sun and can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The shrub is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lycium Fremontii is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to spider mites and whiteflies. To prevent these pests, keep the plant well-watered and avoid over-fertilizing. If an infestation does occur, treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Lycium Fremontii is native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it thrives in the desert and semi-desert habitats. It can be found growing in rocky hillsides, canyons, and washes, and it plays an important role in the ecosystem by providing food and shelter for wildlife.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Lycium Fremontii tolerate drought?
A: Yes, Lycium Fremontii is a drought-tolerant shrub that can survive on rainfall alone, but it will benefit from occasional watering during the hottest and driest months.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Lycium Fremontii?
A: Lycium Fremontii is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Q: Does Lycium Fremontii attract wildlife?
A: Yes, Lycium Fremontii plays an important role in the ecosystem by providing food and shelter for wildlife.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Lycium Fremontii?
A: Lycium Fremontii doesn’t require much fertilizer, but it can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring.
Related Plants
– Lycium barbarum (Goji berry)- Lycium chinense (Chinese boxthorn)- Lycium intricatum (Grape thorn)- Lycium pallidum (Pale desert-thorn)
References
– “Lycium Fremontii.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. University of Texas at Austin, n.d. Web. 5 Feb. 2022.- “Lycium Fremontii.” Arizona State University. School of Life Sciences, n.d. Web. 5 Feb. 2022.- “Lycium Fremontii.” Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, n.d. Web. 5 Feb. 2022.
