Texas Wildbuds

Lycium carolinianum var. quadrifidum

(Wolfberry)

_DSC1056%20copy

Lycium carolinianum var. quadrifidum, Goose Island State Park, Aransas Co. 7254

_DSC1056%20copy

Lycium carolinianum var. quadrifidum, Goose Island State Park, Aransas Co. 7283

_DSC1056%20copy

Lycium carolinianum var. quadrifidum, Goose Island State Park, Aransas Co. 7262

_DSC1056%20copy

Lycium carolinianum var. quadrifidum, Goose Island State Park, Aransas Co. 7266

_DSC1056%20copy

Lycium carolinianum var. quadrifidum, Goose Island State Park, Aransas Co. 7266

_DSC1056%20copy

Lycium carolinianum var. quadrifidum, Goose Island State Park, Aransas Co. 7289

Scientific Name Lycium carolinianum var. quadrifidum USDA PLANTS Symbol LYCAQ
Common Name Wolfberry, Carolina Desert-thorn ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 529036
Family Solanaceae (Nightshade) SEINet
Reference
Click Here
Description Habitat: Coastal dunes, tidal flats, wet­lands, salt marshes.
Plant: Shrub 6 to 10 ft. tall with erect to prostrate, tangled stems spreading 3 to 6 ft.; rigid branches have tan bark and sharp thorns.
Leaves: Fleshy blades are alternate, spatulate to oblanceolate 3/8 to 1-3/8 inches long and up to 1/4-inch wide; surfaces are smooth.
Inflorescence: Solitary flowers arising from leaf axils on slender, fragile pedicels 1/4 to 1-1/8 inches long; each flower about 1/2-inch long or less; corollas have 4 or 5 blue or white spreading lobes; the same number of protruding stamens; one stigma.
Bloom Period: Summer and fall.
Fruit: Bright red, round to ovoid fleshy berries ~3/8-inch long.
References: University of Florida and Flora of North America.
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Texas Status:
Native

Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County

© Tom Lebsack 2026

Every attempt is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and relevant information, but the completeness or accuracy of any information presented on this website cannot be guaranteed. I use authoritative references to insure high standards of accuracy and review and update the information frequently. Please contact me if you find errors.