Chinese Desert-Thorn: A Thorny Decision for Your Garden
If you’re looking for a tough, drought-tolerant shrub that produces edible berries, you might have stumbled across Chinese desert-thorn (Lycium chinense). This spiky character has quite a story to tell, and whether it belongs in your garden depends on what you’re hoping to achieve with your landscape.
What Exactly Is Chinese Desert-Thorn?
Chinese desert-thorn, scientifically known as Lycium chinense, is a perennial shrub that typically grows 4-5 meters tall (that’s about 13-16 feet for those of us who think in feet). Like most shrubs, it sports multiple stems arising from near the ground, creating a bushy appearance that’s both functional and, well, pretty thorny.
This plant is also known by several botanical synonyms, including Lycium chinense Mill. var. chinense and Lycium chinense Mill. var. ovatum, but don’t let the fancy names intimidate you – it’s still the same spiky customer.
Where Does It Come From and Where Is It Now?
Here’s where things get interesting. Chinese desert-thorn isn’t actually native to North America – as the name suggests, it hails from China and East Asia. However, it’s made itself quite at home across much of the continent, reproducing on its own in the wild across numerous states and provinces.
You can currently find this plant growing in California, Ontario, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, and Virginia. That’s quite a travel record for a plant that started out halfway around the world!
The Good, The Thorny, and The Berries
Chinese desert-thorn has some genuinely appealing qualities that explain why gardeners might consider it:
- Edible berries: Those bright red berries? They’re actually goji berries, prized for their nutritional value
- Drought tolerance: Once established, this shrub laughs in the face of dry spells
- Pollinator friendly: The small white to pale purple flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects
- Low maintenance: It’s the kind of plant that thrives on neglect
- Natural barrier: Those thorns make it an effective deterrent for unwanted visitors
Where Does It Fit in Your Garden?
Chinese desert-thorn works well in several landscape scenarios:
- Xeriscapes and drought-tolerant gardens
- Mediterranean-style landscapes
- Edible landscaping projects
- Natural hedges or barrier plantings
- Specimen shrubs in low-water gardens
It’s particularly well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 5-9, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates.
Growing Chinese Desert-Thorn Successfully
If you decide to give this plant a try, here’s what you need to know:
Planting: Spring is your best bet for planting. Choose a location with full sun and well-draining soil – this plant absolutely hates wet feet.
Care: The beauty of Chinese desert-thorn lies in its independence. Water regularly the first year to help it establish, then step back and let it do its thing. It’s remarkably drought-tolerant once settled in.
Pruning: Late winter is the ideal time for pruning. Be warned – you’ll want good gloves for this job! The plant can spread through root suckers, so keep an eye on that if you prefer a more contained shrub.
Should You Plant It?
Here’s the thing about Chinese desert-thorn: while it’s not considered invasive or harmful, it is a non-native species that has established itself quite successfully across North America. If you’re passionate about native gardening and supporting local ecosystems, you might want to consider native alternatives that provide similar benefits.
Some native options to consider include American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) for edible berries, or native roses like Rosa woodsii for thorny barrier plants with wildlife benefits.
That said, if you’re specifically interested in growing goji berries, need a tough drought-tolerant shrub, and aren’t concerned about the non-native status, Chinese desert-thorn can be a practical addition to the right garden setting.
The Bottom Line
Chinese desert-thorn is a survivor – tough, productive, and relatively low-maintenance. Whether it’s right for your garden depends on your priorities. If you value native plants and supporting local wildlife, there are probably better choices. But if you’re looking for a hardy, edible-berry-producing shrub that can handle neglect and drought, this thorny immigrant might just earn its keep in your landscape.
Whatever you decide, make sure you’re prepared for those thorns – this plant doesn’t mess around when it comes to self-defense!
