Goji berry, Wolfberry (Lycium barbarium)

Exposure: Full sun and hardy to minus 10 degrees.

Soil: Good, well-drained soils. Needs a high pH soil to be happy.

Growth Habits: A very vigorous plant that when happy can take over an area. Has a strong tap root that needs to stay in high pH soil. Are in the same family as tomatoes and susceptible to the same diseases as tomatoes.

Landscape Uses: Around here it’s best grown in big pots or tall raised beds, both to provide the high pH soil and contain the growth.

Edible/Medicinal Properties: Incredibly nutritious, sweet-tart berries are considered by many to be the world’s most nutritious food. Reportedly the main food of ancient Chinese sages, Goji Berry has been called the plant of eternal life. It certainly is a very important plant both nutritionally and medicinally. The berries are loaded with effective antioxidants, more carotene than carrots, all the essential amino acids, many minerals and beneficial phytonutrients and medicinal compounds. Eat ‘em fresh, dried, juiced, or as a delightful addition to your favorite dish. The leaves have the same medicinal profile as the berries, so eat a couple each day as a tonic.

Available varieties:

‘Phoenix Tears’ – Found in the Utah mountains in an abandoned Chinese railroad camp.

Size and price: 1 gal $20 Self fertile