Lycium exsertum

Common Name: Wolfberry, Tomatillo, Arizona Desert Thorn
Oˊodham Name: Kuawul Audio
Group: Shrubs － Desert, Uplands

Description

Lycium exsertum is a densely-spined, grayish-green shrub that reaches 10 ft in height and inhabits sandy and gravelly soils in deserts and uplands between 2500 and 4000 ft. In late Spring, the tiny leaves give way to large numbers of orange berries almost 1cm diameter. The berries are an important source of food for desert birds. From a distance, this shrub is often confused with Condalia warnockii.

branches with fruit
stem with spines
flowers and fruit
stem
flowers
fruit