Baja desert thorn
Lycium brevipes
Last reviewed: October 2026
Baja desert thorn (Lycium brevipes) is a perennial shrub native to CA. It blooms in January, February, and March. The flowers draw hummingbirds and bees.
Toxicity unknown
Baja desert thorn (Lycium brevipes) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
24"–72" H × 24"–60" W
Bloom
Jan, Feb, Mar
Native to
CA
Pollinators
hummingbirds, bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A thorny, tangled desert shrub called desert thorn, with small fleshy leaves and lavender tubular flowers appearing in winter, followed by small red berries. Its spiny, sprawling branches give it a wild rather than groomed look.
Growing Baja desert thorn
Grow Baja desert thorn in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 72 inches tall and spread 24 to 60 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Winter flowers support early hummingbirds and bees, and the berries are eaten by birds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Baja desert thorn need?
- Baja desert thorn grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Baja desert thorn bloom?
- Baja desert thorn blooms in January, February, and March.
- Where is Baja desert thorn native?
- Baja desert thorn (Lycium brevipes) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Baja desert thorn attract?
- Baja desert thorn draws hummingbirds and bees.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Baja desert thorn? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.