Santa Catalina Island Desert-Thorn: A Rare California Native Worth Protecting
Meet the Santa Catalina Island desert-thorn (Lycium hassei), one of California’s most exclusive native plants. This thorny little shrub isn’t just rare—it’s practically a botanical celebrity, found naturally on only one island off the Southern California coast. If you’re passionate about native plants and conservation, this might be the perfect addition to your garden, but there are some important things to know first.
What Makes This Plant Special
The Santa Catalina Island desert-thorn is a perennial shrub that typically grows as a multi-stemmed woody plant, usually staying under 13-16 feet in height. Don’t let the name fool you—while it does have thorns and thrives in dry conditions, this plant produces lovely small tubular flowers that range from purple to lavender, followed by bright red berries that add a pop of color to the landscape.
You might also see this plant listed under its synonyms: Lycium brevipes var. hassei or Lycium richii var. hassei, but Lycium hassei is the accepted botanical name.
Where It Calls Home
This desert-thorn is a true California endemic, native only to Santa Catalina Island. It’s what botanists call a narrow endemic—a plant that exists naturally in just one very specific location. This makes it incredibly special but also vulnerable.
The Rarity Factor: What You Need to Know
Here’s where things get serious: Lycium hassei has a Global Conservation Status of S1, meaning it’s extremely rare. Before you get excited about adding this unique plant to your garden, it’s crucial to source it responsibly. Never collect plants from the wild, and only purchase from reputable native plant nurseries that can verify their plants were propagated from legally and ethically sourced material.
Why Grow Santa Catalina Island Desert-Thorn?
If you can source it responsibly, this plant offers several benefits:
- Supports conservation efforts by maintaining genetic diversity outside its natural habitat
- Attracts native bees and other small pollinators with its flowers
- Provides berries that can feed birds and small wildlife
- Adds unique character to drought-tolerant and coastal gardens
- Requires minimal water once established, perfect for water-wise landscaping
Perfect Garden Settings
This shrub shines in:
- Coastal xerophytic gardens that mimic its island habitat
- Native plant collections and botanical gardens
- Drought-tolerant landscapes
- Conservation gardens focused on rare California natives
Growing Conditions and Care
Santa Catalina Island desert-thorn thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, which matches the coastal Southern California conditions it evolved in. Here’s what it needs to flourish:
- Sunlight: Full sun exposure
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential—this plant hates wet feet
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but provide regular water during the first year
- Climate: Best suited for Mediterranean and coastal climates
Planting and Care Tips
When planting your Santa Catalina Island desert-thorn:
- Choose a location with excellent drainage to prevent root rot
- Plant in fall or early spring for best establishment
- Water regularly the first year, then reduce to occasional deep watering
- Protect young plants from strong winds and frost
- Minimal pruning needed—just remove dead or damaged branches
- No fertilizer necessary; these plants are adapted to lean soils
A Plant Worth Protecting
Growing Santa Catalina Island desert-thorn isn’t just about adding an unusual plant to your garden—it’s about participating in conservation. By growing this rare native responsibly, you’re helping ensure that this unique piece of California’s natural heritage survives for future generations. Just remember: always source ethically, never collect from the wild, and consider this plant a living treasure that deserves our respect and protection.
