Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum)
Goji berry—often called wolfberry—is a tough, sun-loving shrub that earns its spot in a food forest by doing two things well: surviving and producing. The plant forms airy, arching canes with small leaves and little purple flowers that turn into bright orange-red berries. It looks delicate, but it’s surprisingly resilient once established.
If you like plants that can handle heat, bounce back after pruning, and still give you a meaningful harvest, goji is a fun one to trial. It’s also easy to shape—kept as a compact shrub, trained on a simple trellis, or allowed to form a loose hedge (with a bit of guidance so it doesn’t wander).
In Florida planting zone 9, the biggest keys are drainage and airflow. Goji does not enjoy “wet feet,” and humidity can increase leaf disease pressure if it’s crowded. Give it sun, keep the base mulched but not soggy, and prune for an open, breezy canopy.
Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Lycium barbarum |
|---|---|
| Family Name: | Solanaceae (Nightshade family) |
| Common Name(s): | Goji Berry, Wolfberry |
| Size: | Typically 3–6 ft tall and 3–6 ft wide; can grow larger with support/trellising |
| Plant Type: | Perennial fruiting shrub (deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on winter) |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Native to parts of Asia; cultivated widely in temperate and subtropical regions |
| Native to: | Asia (species origin) |
| Planted range in the USA: | Grown in many states as a backyard fruit shrub; best performance where summers are sunny and soils drain well |
| Conservation Status: | Not listed as threatened or endangered (cultivated plant) |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Plant in late winter through spring in Florida so roots establish before peak summer heat; choose a well-drained site |
|---|---|
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun (best fruiting) to light partial shade |
| Soil Type: | Well-drained loam or sandy loam; avoid heavy, constantly wet soils |
| Soil pH: | About 6.5–7.5 (slightly acidic to mildly alkaline; adaptable if drainage is good) |
| Water Requirements: | Moderate; water regularly during establishment, then deep-water during dry spells. Avoid constant saturation |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Low to moderate; compost plus a light balanced feeding during active growth is usually enough. Too much nitrogen can reduce flowering/fruiting. |
| Pruning Requirements: | Prune in late winter to shape and renew canes; thin crowded stems and open the center for airflow |
| Growth Rate: | Medium to fast; often 1–3 ft per year in warm weather depending on water/fertility |
| Companion Planting: | Works well with low groundcovers and pollinator plants; avoid dense, wet-loving companions pressed against the base |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | Moderate once established; consistent moisture improves berry size and reduces stress |
|---|---|
| Frost Tolerance: | Moderate; many plants tolerate freezes by dropping leaves and resprouting (young plants benefit from mulch protection) |
| Heat Tolerance: | Good to excellent; appreciates mulch and deep watering during prolonged heat |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate; canes can whip—trellising helps in exposed areas |
| Salt Tolerance: | Low to moderate; avoid direct salt spray and highly saline soils |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | Commonly grown in 5–9 (often possible into 10 with good management). In Florida zone 9, prioritize drainage + airflow |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Small berry |
|---|---|
| Harvest Time: | Typically late spring through summer, with repeats depending on pruning and weather. Harvest when berries are fully colored (bright orange-red) and detach easily; underripe fruit is less sweet. |
| Fruit Description: | Small, orange-red berries; mild sweet-tart flavor; often eaten fresh or dried |
| Edible Plant: | Yes (berries) |
| Edible Parts: | Ripe berries (fresh or dried). Leaves are used traditionally in some cultures—research carefully before use |
| Medicinal: | Traditional uses exist; do not treat as medical guidance. Use extra caution with medications/supplements |
| Flower Color: | Lavender to purple |
| Flower Shape: | Small, star/tubular flowers typical of nightshade relatives |
| Fragrance: | Light to none |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Spring through summer (often extended in warm climates) |
| Bloom Duration: | Ongoing flushes as new growth forms |
| Pollination: Self or Other? | Often self-fertile; bees and other insects improve pollination and fruit set |
Wildlife
| Attracts: | Bees and small pollinators for flowers; birds may target ripe berries if not harvested promptly |
|---|---|
| Pollinators: | Bees and other beneficial insects |
| Problematic Pest: | Can attract aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, flea beetles, and caterpillars; in humid weather, disease pressure can follow crowding. |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | Ripe berries are generally considered edible; plant sap/green parts may cause irritation or stomach upset if consumed in quantity |
|---|---|
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | Not commonly listed as “poisonous,” but avoid eating unripe berries and avoid consuming leaves/stems without solid research |
| Toxic to Humans: | Not typically toxic when ripe berries are eaten as food; use caution if pregnant, nursing, or taking medications (notably blood thinners) |
| Toxic to Animals: | Not typically toxic, but pets may get stomach upset from chewing leaves/berries; discourage grazing on the plant |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | Powdery mildew, leaf spot, anthracnose, and root rot in poorly drained soils; improve airflow and avoid overhead watering late in the day |
Companion Planting
For goji berry, companions should keep the soil covered, attract pollinators, and support beneficial insects—without creating a humid, crowded base. Keep a clear ring around the main stems for airflow, especially in Florida planting zone 9.
Florida Native: Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora)
Zone Range: 7–11
Benefits: Living mulch that supports pollinators and suppresses weeds; reduces soil splash onto leaves.
Use: Let it fill pathways and outer dripline zones; keep it out of the immediate stem area.
Florida Native: Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella)
Zone Range: 8–11
Benefits: Strong pollinator draw; adds long-bloom color and supports beneficial insect populations.
Use: Plant on the sunny side of the guild as a flowering border.
Florida Native: Tickseed (Coreopsis leavenworthii)
Zone Range: 8–11
Benefits: Pollinator powerhouse that increases beneficial insect activity during bloom.
Use: Use in clusters near (not under) the goji canopy for an easy, bright companion strip.
Florida Friendly: Perennial Peanut (Arachis glabrata)
Zone Range: 8–11
Benefits: Dense groundcover for weed suppression and soil protection; flowers feed pollinators.
Use: Plant as a living mulch around the guild perimeter, keeping stems away from the crown.
Florida Friendly: Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan)
Zone Range: 9–11 (often grown as a warm-season annual in cooler zones)
Benefits: Nitrogen-fixer and biomass machine; can function as a temporary nurse plant/wind buffer.
Use: Plant a few feet away and chop-and-drop for mulch as goji establishes.
Florida Friendly: Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
Zone Range: All zones as annuals
Benefits: Helps diversify the planting and can reduce some pest pressure in mixed beds.
Use: Tuck along the sunny edge and replant seasonally for continuous bloom.
Trellis or stake goji for cleaner harvest and better airflow. Use a thick mulch layer for moisture stability, but keep mulch off the crown/stems. If leaf disease appears, thin the canopy, increase spacing, and water at the soil line (not overhead).
Sources & References
Reference list used for general horticultural guidance and Florida-relevant best practices (not medical advice):
- UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions — Florida-friendly planting, irrigation, mulching, and general home landscape best practices.
- UF/IFAS EDIS Publication Database — research-based references for soil, pests, diseases, and IPM concepts applicable to Florida gardens.
- Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program — right plant/right place, water-wise design, and sustainable maintenance guidance.
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map — zone reference framework used for planting suitability.
- USDA PLANTS Database — taxonomic reference for plant names and basic distribution context.
- EPPO Global Database — terminology reference for researching pests/diseases and symptom vocabulary.