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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Monday - December 19, 2005

From: Paynton, SK
Region: Canada
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Hardiness of non-native Lycium barbarum for Saschatewan
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Lycium barbarnum. What is its hardiness and where can it be grown?

ANSWER:

Matrimony vine (Lycium barbarum) is introduced from Asia, but now can be found in all the contiguous states of the US except Arizona, Louisiana, and Florida. It does have edible and medicinal uses. Plants for a Future lists its hardiness to about -15 degrees C. (5 degrees F.) B & T World Seeds lists its hardiness to about -23 degrees C (-10 degrees F.) or suitable for USDA Zone 6. Saskatewan appears to be in Zone 3 as seen on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map where the minimum temperatures can be as low as -40 degrees C. (-40 degrees F.). If you want to grow it in Saskatchewan, you should consider doing so in a greenhouse.
 

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