Location specific values:
Array
(
    [lat] => 28.325400
    [lng] => -82.683400
    [elevation] => 5.996
    [rainfall] => 1330.072
    [cold_temperature] => 9.3008
    [temperature] => 32.9992
    [user_eto] => 1362.9395896
)

Plant specific values:
Array
(
    [rain_min_irrigation] => 147
    [eto_corrected] => 1758
    [eto_adjusted_rain_min (rain_min_irrigation / eto_corrected)] => 0.08361775
)
Anderson’s Boxthorn (Lycium andersonii) | Easyscape Plant Profile

Anderson’s Boxthorn

(Lycium andersonii)

Anderson’s Boxthorn (Lycium andersonii)

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Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Climate Requirements for Bayonet Point, Florida

This Plant Your Site Plant Suitability for Your Location
• Precipitation 2" - 35" 52" Aquatic Aquatic
• High Temp. 68°F - 114°F 91°F Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. Excellent
• Low Temp. 11°F - 54°F 49°F Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant Excellent
This plant may not grow well at your location - your precipitation is too high.

Summary

Lycium andersonii, commonly known as Anderson’s Boxthorn or Water Jacket, is a deciduous shrub native to arid habitats such as desert washes, slopes, and mesas in the Southwestern United States, California, and Northwestern Mexico. It typically grows up to 2.7 meters (8 ft 10 in) in height and is characterized by a rounded shape with many branches covered in thin spines up to 2 centimeters (0.79 in) long. The leaves are flat, thick, fleshy, and measure up to 1.7 centimeters (0.67 in) long, adapted to conserve water and are shed during dry conditions. The flowers are funnel-shaped with white or purple-tinged corollas up to a centimeter long, blooming in the spring and are moderately showy. The fruit is a red or orange berry, less than a centimeter long, which may attract birds and other wildlife.

Anderson’s Boxthorn is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in harsh desert environments, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in arid regions. It is also used for erosion control due to its extensive root system. In cultivation, it requires full sun, minimal water once established, and well-draining soil. While it is not commonly used in ornamental horticulture, its unique appearance and low maintenance requirements can make it an interesting addition to rock gardens or desert landscapes. Care should be taken when handling or planting due to its spiny branches. There are no significant disease problems, but overwatering can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 3-9 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate, Rapid
  • Flower Color: Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

native to arid habitats such as desert washes, slopes, and mesas in the Southwestern United States, California, and Northwestern Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Water-Jacket, Redberry Desert-Thorn, Anderson Thornbush, Anderson’s Desert Thorn, Anderson Boxthorn, Anderson Lycium, Anderson Wolfberry, Squawberry, Anderson Wolfberry, Anderson’s Wolfberry

Scientific Names: Lycium andersonii, Lycium andersonii var. andersonii, Lycium andersonii subsp. wrightii, Lycium berlandieri var. andersonii

GBIF Accepted Name: Lycium andersonii A.Gray