Matrimony Vine
Lycium barbarum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Matrimony Vine (Lycium barbarum) is a perennial vine. It blooms in May, June, July, and August. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.
Toxicity unknown
Matrimony Vine (Lycium barbarum) 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
medium
Size
72"–120" H × 36"–72" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Native alternatives to Matrimony Vine
Matrimony Vine is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaMatrimony vine is a fast-growing deciduous vine that produces small purple flowers from May through August, followed by bright red berries. This vigorous climber can reach 6-10 feet tall and spreads 3-6 feet wide, making it suitable for trellises, fences, or as ground cover.
Growing Matrimony Vine
Grow Matrimony Vine in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 72 to 120 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Matrimony Vine takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Can spread aggressively and form thickets
- May look unkempt without regular pruning
- Not typically considered ornamental landscaping
Wildlife value
The long blooming period attracts bees and butterflies throughout summer. Birds enjoy the nutritious red berries that persist into fall and winter.
Common questions
- When does Lycium barbarum bloom?
- Lycium barbarum flowers from May through August, with small purple blooms appearing along its arching branches before giving way to orange-red berries.
- What insects pollinate Lycium barbarum?
- Bees and butterflies are the main visitors to Lycium barbarum flowers, drawn to the blooms throughout the summer months.
- How much water does Lycium barbarum need to grow well?
- It grows best with medium moisture but tolerates drier conditions once established, making it a good fit for sunny, well-drained sites.
- Is Matrimony Vine HOA-friendly?
- Matrimony Vine takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
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 Matrimony Vine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz