Lycium barbarum
Lycium barbarum
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Pl. 14B1 — Lycium barbarum
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IOverview
Overview
Lycium barbarum, commonly known as wolfberry, is a perennial shrub or vine native to China's north-central and south-central regions, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, and Xinjiang provinces. This plant thrives in moist, light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7–7.5, making it adaptable but preferring slightly alkaline conditions. Known for its edible fruit, leaves, and shoots, Lycium barbarum is cultivated for its berries used in traditional Chinese medicine and cuisine. One distinctive feature is its light requirement; it grows best in areas that are not overly shaded.
Quick answers
What is Lycium barbarum?
Lycium barbarum, commonly known as wolfberry, is a perennial shrub or vine native to China's north-central and south-central regions, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, and Xinjiang provinces. This plant thrives in moist, light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7–7.
What is Lycium barbarum used for?
Traditionally used for energy & focus, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Lycium barbarum
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Lycium barbarum appears in herbal sources around clarity and study-routine traditions, often as a traditional preparation. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
- Lycium barbarum, commonly known as goji berry, has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support immune function. Its consumption may help enhance the body's defense mechanisms.
The berries contain polysaccharides and other bioactive compounds that have immunomodulatory effects, though the specific pathways are not fully characterised.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Lycium barbarum support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lycium barbarum thrives in light to partial sunlight and prefers well-draining soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5. It is adaptable to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. Water the plant moderately, ensuring it does not become waterlogged. This perennial vine or shrub can grow up to 2.5 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions from zones 6-9. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings of its edible fruit, leaves, and shoots.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Vine, Shrub
Mature size
2.5 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Lycium barbarum for the first time
7steps
Start with planting Lycium barbarum in a sunny spot, and follow these steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, potting mix suitable for light to medium soil, containers if needed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, ensuring containers are at least 10 inches deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside. Transplant young plants carefully.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and protect from extreme heat or cold.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure, regular watering, and occasional pruning for shape. Fertilize lightly in spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune vines to maintain size and encourage new growth; harvest fruits when they are fully colored.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeavesShoots
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:HedgerowErosion control
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 25 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 25 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 5 native· 25 introduced
Europe10 regions
introduced (10)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFranceGermanyRussiaSpainUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (1)China
introduced (1)Georgia
Broader regions
introduced:Connecticut, Arkansas, Colorado, Czechoslovakia, Delaware, District of Columbia, Argentina South, California, Florida, East Aegean Is., British Columbia, Idaho, Alberta
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
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