Carolina Wolfberry
Lycium carolinianum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Carolina Wolfberry is a native shrub found across the southeastern United States from Texas to South Carolina. This adaptable plant blooms year-round and attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Carolina Wolfberry as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
48"–72" H × 24"–36" W
Bloom
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, nectar insects
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Carolina Wolfberry is a medium-sized evergreen shrub that produces small purple flowers nearly year-round followed by bright red berries. This native Texas plant thrives in full sun with regular water and maintains its foliage through winter. The berries are attractive to birds while the long blooming period supports pollinators consistently.
Growing Carolina Wolfberry
Grow Carolina Wolfberry in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 48 to 72 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Carolina Wolfberry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
This shrub attracts butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other nectar insects with its extended 12-month blooming period. The red berries provide food for birds and small wildlife.
Common questions
- Where does Carolina Wolfberry naturally grow?
- Carolina Wolfberry is native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas.
- When does Lycium carolinianum bloom?
- Carolina Wolfberry has an extended blooming period that can occur throughout all 12 months of the year in suitable climates.
- What pollinators visit Carolina Wolfberry?
- This native shrub attracts a variety of pollinators including butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other nectar-feeding insects.
- What growing conditions does Carolina Wolfberry prefer?
- Carolina Wolfberry thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial sun conditions. It adapts to various moisture levels from wet to dry soils.
- Is Carolina Wolfberry toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Carolina Wolfberry as toxic to livestock.
- Is Carolina Wolfberry HOA-friendly?
- Carolina Wolfberry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Carolina Wolfberry fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.