California box thorn
Lycium californicum
Last reviewed: November 2026
California box thorn (Lycium californicum) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA. It blooms in February, March, and April. The flowers draw bees and hummingbirds.
Watering reminders and freeze alerts for California box thorn, free in the app.
Toxicity unknown
California box thorn (Lycium californicum) 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
36"–72" H × 36"–72" W
Bloom
Feb, Mar, Apr
Native to
AZ, CA
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
Before you buy
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
This boxthorn is a dense, thorny evergreen shrub with small fleshy leaves and small purple-white flowers that appear sporadically through the year. It grows on coastal bluffs and in dry scrub.
Growing California box thorn
Grow California box thorn in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide.
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and hummingbirds, and the tangled, spiny branching provides secure nesting cover for small birds.
Common questions
- How much sun does California box thorn need?
- California box thorn grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does California box thorn bloom?
- California box thorn blooms in February, March, and April.
- Where is California box thorn native?
- California box thorn (Lycium californicum) is native to AZ, CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does California box thorn attract?
- California box thorn draws bees and hummingbirds.
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 California box thorn? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.