How much sun does Wolfberry need?

Wolfberry grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Wolfberry bloom?

Wolfberry blooms in June and July.

Where is Wolfberry native?

Wolfberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis) is native to CA, CO, IA, ID and 22 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Wolfberry toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Wolfberry as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Wolfberry attract?

Wolfberry draws bees and moths.

Is Wolfberry HOA-friendly?

Wolfberry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Wolfberry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Symphoricarpos occidentalis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Wolfberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Wolfberry as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–72" H × 24"–72" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, CO, IA, ID and 22 more states

Pollinators

bees, moths

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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

North American Deserts Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern Rockies High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains

Wolfberry is a native shrub that forms dense colonies through underground runners, creating excellent wildlife habitat and erosion control. It produces small white flowers in summer followed by white berries that persist into winter. This adaptable plant thrives in various conditions and provides year-round interest with its branching structure.

In an HOA neighborhood

Wolfberry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Spreads aggressively through runners
Can look scraggly without regular pruning
May appear too wild or uncontrolled for formal landscapes

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and moths during summer blooming period. The white berries are valuable food for birds and small mammals throughout fall and winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Wolfberry need?: Wolfberry grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Wolfberry bloom?: Wolfberry blooms in June and July.
Where is Wolfberry native?: Wolfberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis) is native to CA, CO, IA, ID and 22 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Wolfberry toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Wolfberry as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Wolfberry attract?: Wolfberry draws bees and moths.
Is Wolfberry HOA-friendly?: 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Wolfberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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