The Goji Berry Plant is a hardy fruiting shrub, valued for its vivid red berries, culinary versatility, and long history in traditional Asian herbalism.
Goji Berry Plant with an Ancient Story
Officially known as Lycium barbarum, this species is native to northern and central China, where people have cultivated and enjoyed its fruit for centuries. The plant goes by many names, including goji berry, goji, wolfberry, Chinese wolfberry, Ningxia wolfberry, Ningxia goji, barbary wolfberry, matrimony vine, common matrimony vine, barbary matrimony vine, Chinese boxthorn, Duke of Argyll’s tea tree, red medlar, and mede berry.
People have traditionally regarded the dried berries as a tonic for nourishing the body’s vital essence and supporting the liver and kidneys. Many have also used them alongside treatments for conditions including pulmonary tuberculosis. However, do not use these traditional applications as a substitute for professional medical advice or prescribed treatment.
Flowers, Fruit and Growing Conditions
During summer, the shrub produces showy, funnel-shaped flowers with purple petals and yellow centres. Later, elongated orange-red berries appear, creating an attractive display and a useful edible harvest.
The Goji Berry Plant prefers an open, sunny spot with light to medium, well-drained soil. Once established, it resists frost but grows best with consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Usually, the plant is deciduous, but in warm, protected areas, it may keep more foliage. The arching growth can reach 3.5 metres high and 2 metres wide. Regular pruning helps maintain a smaller, denser shrub and makes harvesting easier.
Using Your Goji Berry Plant
Throughout Asia, people traditionally add goji leaves and berries to soups, rice dishes, teas, and other drinks. You can enjoy fully ripe berries fresh, cooked, or dried. Drying concentrates their flavour and creates raisin-like berries for trail mixes, baking, breakfast bowls, and herbal infusions.
If you want to grow a larger collection, you can buy
Goji Seed from our online Seed List. This distinctive fruiting and medicinal species also pairs well with a
Schisandra Plant, another Asian climbing fruit valued for its colourful berries and diverse uses. Different plant sizes may be available.
