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Anderson Wolfberry Open Pollinated Seeds (Lycium andersonii) High desert shrub loved by wildlife; drought-resistant with medicinal and ecological uses

$3.49
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Minimum: 10+ Seeds

Resilient, Wild, and Packed with Power: Grow Anderson Wolfberry From Seed

For seed collectors, desert permaculturists, and nature-minded gardeners, Anderson Wolfberry is a high-desert gem. This rugged native shrub flourishes where other plants fail, enduring blistering heat, poor soil, and long droughts with elegance. But it’s more than just tough, it’s beautiful, medicinal, and ecologically invaluable.

With its small gray-green leaves and clusters of delicate lavender blooms, Lycium andersonii brings quiet charm to the landscape. But it’s after flowering that the real magic appears: orange-red berries rich in antioxidants and beloved by birds, pollinators, and wildlife. This is the wild cousin of the famous goji berry, only tougher, leaner, and better adapted to the American West.

Expect a compact, woody shrub, typically growing 3–6 feet tall. It's well-suited to rock gardens, erosion-prone slopes, wildlife corridors, and xeriscapes. In hot, arid zones, Anderson Wolfberry becomes a cornerstone plant, thriving with minimal input and offering food, shelter, and healing uses all in one.

Uses

  • Ecological: Drought-tolerant native plant that stabilizes soils and attracts pollinators, bees, and native birds.

  • Medicinal: Traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for general wellness, teas, and skin applications.

  • Wildlife: Excellent forage for quail, songbirds, and browsing mammals in harsh climates.

  • Aesthetic: Subtle purple flowers and vibrant berries make this shrub a soft-spoken beauty in naturalistic gardens.

A Plant With Deep Roots
Native to the Mojave, Sonoran, and Great Basin deserts, Anderson Wolfberry has been part of Indigenous land practices for centuries. It’s still found across rugged American desert terrain, proving its strength and ecological relevance in even the harshest landscapes. Unlike its cultivated goji cousin, this species holds strong to its wild traits, and that’s exactly what makes it special.

How to Grow Anderson Wolfberry From Seed

  • Soak seeds in warm water overnight to soften the tough seed coat.

  • Cold stratification improves germination: Place in moist sand or paper towel in the fridge for 30–60 days.

  • Sow in spring or early fall, barely covering with sandy, well-drained soil.

  • Sunlight: Requires full sun.

  • Spacing: 3–6 feet apart for mature plants.

  • Watering: Minimal once established. Avoid overwatering, this is a true desert dweller.

  • Zones: Best in USDA Zones 6–10, especially dry climates.

  • Growth: Slow to moderate. First fruits typically appear in year 2 or 3.

Tips: Ideal for wildlife gardens, permaculture zones, or anyone seeking drought-resistant native shrubs. Once established, it rarely needs help, but give it space, sun, and time to mature.

Bring the Desert Home
If you’ve ever admired the quiet strength of desert plants, this is your chance to grow one yourself. Anderson Wolfberry seeds aren’t widely available, and with growing interest in native landscaping, they sell out fast. Add this wild survivor to your garden now and become part of its enduring legacy.