// SPECIES PROFILE · SHRUB · NATIVE

Pale desert-thorn

Lycium pallidum var. pallidum

Pale desert-thorn (Lycium pallidum var. pallidum) is a shrub in the — family. Native range includes OK — verified against the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center native distribution database. Hardy in zones 2b–10b. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms Feb–May.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: shrub
Native range: Native to AZ, CA, CO, NM, NV, OK, TX, UT
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–10b
Mature size: 29"–6'
Sun: —
Water: —
Bloom: Feb–May
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Pale desert-thorn (Lycium pallidum var. pallidum) — *Lycium pallidum var. pallidum* — Pale desert-thorn. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, pale desert-thorn pairs naturally with: Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra), Wild blue flax (Linum lewisii), Common elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis), White sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana ssp. ludoviciana).