Plant Profile
Goji BerryLycium barbarum
The Goji berry, also known as wolfberry, is a hardy member of the Solanaceae family prized for its nutrient-dense red fruits. The shrub is extremely winter-hardy and undemanding regarding soil, though it tends towards a strongly arching growth habit and the formation of root suckers.
Quick profile
Key data
Suitable growing locations:
Good neighbors
MarigoldAllium species
Avoid
Potatotomato
Indoor & direct sowing
Goji Berry: Sowing and germination
Pre-culture in pots on a windowsill.
Direct sowing possible after last frost, but pre-culture is more reliable.
Planting & site
Goji Berry: Planting and spacing
Spring planting preferred to allow rooting before winter.
Site & practical notes
Propagation: Easy to propagate via cuttings or layering in summer., Soil prep: No special requirements, but a root barrier is strongly recommended.
Temperature & frost
Goji Berry: Temperature and site
Water & nutrients
Goji Berry: Water, nutrients and care
Container & growth
Goji Berry: Container, support and growth
Year plan
Goji Berry Calendar
Recurring tasks
Relevant now
June
- No additional single task
Next up
July
- No additional single task
Monthly tasks
Single tasks from monthly data; repeated seasonal windows are shown in the overview above.
January
Quiet month
February
No additional single task
March
No additional single task
April
No additional single task
May
No additional single task
June
Quiet month
August
No additional single task
September
No additional single task
October
No additional single task
November
Quiet month
December
Quiet month
Flowering & pollination
Goji Berry Flowering & pollination
Flowering period
6, 7, 8
Flower color
Violet to purple
Self-fertility
self-fertile
Pollinator needed
no
Overview
Self-fertile; pollination is carried out by bees, bumblebees, and wind.
Notes
Cross-pollination with a second variety can increase yield and fruit size.
Pruning & care
Goji Berry Pruning & care
Pruning type
long-cane_pruning
Pruning timing
Main renewal pruning Remove old wood near the ground to encourage young canes.
Summer pruning for shoot direction Shorten excessively long whips to stimulate branching.
Remove
Preserve
Avoid
Tools and hygiene
Use sharp shears to avoid crushing soft shoots. Disinfect if mildew is suspected.
Companion guide
Goji Berry Companion guide
Good neighbors
MarigoldAllium species
Avoid
Potatotomato
Use & storage
Goji Berry Use & storage
Fully ripe berries are soft and deep red.
Storage
Short-term fresh, long-term dried
Storage life
Fresh approx. 3-5 days in the refrigerator; dried over 1 year.
Primary use
Dried fruit
Harvest
Fully ripe berries are soft and deep red.
Processing
After harvest
Fresh berries are very pressure-sensitive; process or dry quickly.
Edibility & safety
Goji Berry Edibility & safety
For people
In brief: which parts are edible, which parts remain risky, and whether raw consumption makes sense.
Safety notes
Unripe fruits contain solanine and should not be consumed. Consult a doctor if taking blood thinners.
Animal safety
This plant is not simply safe or unsafe for animals. 14 animal types have restrictions, so quantity, access, and plant part matter.
Each row shows which parts are more suitable and which parts are critical.
Companion animals
Dogfully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
fully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
consumption of unripe fruits, excessive consumption of ripe fruits
vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset
observe
Fully ripe goji berries are suitable for dogs in small amounts as a treat. Unripe fruits, leaves, stems, roots, and bark contain toxic compounds such as solanine and can cause gastrointestinal upset. Consult a veterinarian if poisoning is suspected.
Open animal page
Catfully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
fully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
consumption of unripe fruits, excessive consumption, access to plant parts other than fruits
gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea
contact a vet if symptoms appear
Fully ripe goji berries are generally safe for cats in small amounts as an occasional treat. Unripe fruits and other plant parts contain solanine and other alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal upset. Due to high fiber and sugar content, feed only occasionally.
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Rabbitfully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
fully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
consumption of unripe parts, excessive consumption
gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea
observe
Fully ripe goji berries can be given to rabbits as an occasional treat. Unripe fruits, leaves, stems, roots, and seeds contain toxic compounds such as solanine and should be avoided. Due to high sugar content, feed only in moderation.
Open animal page
Guinea pigfully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
fully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
consumption of unripe parts, excessive consumption of ripe fruits
gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea
observe
Fully ripe goji berries are suitable for guinea pigs in small amounts as an occasional treat. Unripe fruits and other plant parts contain toxic compounds such as solanine and should be avoided. Due to high sugar content, feed only occasionally.
Open animal page
Hamsterfully ripe fruits
green unripe berries, leaves, stems
fully ripe fruits
green unripe berries, leaves, stems
consumption of unripe parts, excessive consumption, individual sensitivity
gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea
observe
Fully ripe goji berries can be given to hamsters as an occasional treat, but only in very small amounts due to sugar content and potential gastrointestinal irritation. Unripe fruits, leaves, stems, roots, and seeds contain toxic compounds such as solanine and should be avoided. Consult a veterinarian if signs of poisoning appear.
Open animal page
Budgiefully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
fully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
consumption of unripe parts, overfeeding, seed ingestion
gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea
contact a vet if symptoms appear
Fully ripe goji berries can be given to budgies as an occasional treat. Unripe fruits, leaves, stems, roots, and seeds contain toxic compounds such as solanine and should be avoided. Due to high sugar content, feed only in moderation. No species-specific sources found; classification based on general plant toxicity and diet of similar birds.
Open animal pageFarm animals
Horsefully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
fully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
consumption of unripe fruits, ingestion of leaves or stems, root or bark consumption
gastrointestinal upset, nausea, vomiting
contact a vet if symptoms appear
Fully ripe goji berries can be given to horses as an occasional treat, but unripe fruits, leaves, stems, roots, and bark are toxic due to solanine and alkaloid compounds and should be avoided. If toxic parts are ingested, monitor for gastrointestinal symptoms and contact a veterinarian if symptoms persist or worsen.
Open animal page
Chickenfully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
fully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
consumption of unripe parts, overfeeding, seed ingestion
gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea
observe
Fully ripe goji berries are suitable for chickens in small amounts as an occasional treat. Unripe fruits, leaves, stems, roots, and seeds contain solanine and other alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal upset. Due to high fiber and sugar content, feeding should be limited. No specific poisoning reports in chickens, but conservative classification based on known plant toxins and avian diet.
Open animal page
Duckfully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
fully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
consumption of unripe fruits, excessive consumption, access to plant parts other than fruits
gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea
observe
Fully ripe goji berries can be given to ducks as an occasional treat. Unripe fruits and other plant parts contain toxic compounds such as solanine and should be avoided. Due to high fiber and sugar content, feed only in moderation.
Open animal page
Goosefully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
fully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
consumption of unripe fruits, excessive consumption, access to plant parts other than fruits
gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea
observe
Fully ripe goji berries are suitable for geese in small amounts as an occasional treat. Unripe fruits and other plant parts contain toxic compounds such as solanine and should be avoided. Due to high fiber and sugar content, feed only occasionally. No species-specific sources found; classification based on general plant toxicity and nutrition of similar birds.
Open animal page
Sheepfully ripe fruits
green unripe berries, roots, bark
fully ripe fruits
green unripe berries, roots, bark
consumption of unripe fruits, excessive consumption
gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea
observe
Fully ripe goji berries are suitable for sheep in small amounts as an occasional treat. Unripe fruits contain solanine and can cause gastrointestinal upset. No indications of severe poisoning in sheep with normal consumption of ripe fruits. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms occur.
Open animal page
Goatfully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
fully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
consumption of unripe fruits, excessive consumption, access to plant parts other than fruits
gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea
observe
Fully ripe goji berries are suitable for goats in small amounts as an occasional treat. Unripe fruits and other plant parts contain toxic alkaloids and solanine and should be avoided. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset. No indications of severe poisoning in goats at normal treat levels known. In case of symptoms, observe the animal and consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Open animal page
Cattlefully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
fully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
consumption of unripe parts, ingestion of leaves or stems
gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea
observe
Fully ripe goji berries may be fed in small amounts as an occasional treat, but unripe fruits and vegetative plant parts are potentially risky due to solanine content. No specific cattle studies available, but conservative classification based on known plant toxicity and ruminant sensitivity to solanine glycosides.
Open animal page
Pigfully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
fully ripe fruits
green unripe fruits, leaves, stems
consumption of unripe fruits, excessive consumption, access to plant parts other than fruits
gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea
observe
Fully ripe goji berries are suitable for pigs in small amounts as an occasional treat. Unripe fruits and other plant parts contain solanine and other alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal upset. Due to high sugar content, feed only occasionally. No evidence of severe toxicity in pigs when ripe fruits are fed appropriately. Conservatively classified based on plant general toxicity and known constituents. Consult…
Open animal pageThese guidelines are for general information only and do not replace veterinary diagnosis. If critical plant parts were ingested or the animal shows unusual behaviour or symptoms, seek veterinary advice.
Max risk
unknown
Highest status
selected parts only
Urgency
contact a vet if symptoms appear
Saving seed
Goji Berry Saving seed
Seed viability
2 - 4 years
Practical tips
Goji Berry Practical tips
Common beginner mistakes
No root barrier installed (plant takes over the garden).
Success pattern
High yield with a sunny location and consistent trellis pruning.
High-impact tips
Mulch soil in early summer to retain moisture.
Grower observations
Goji plants grow extremely fast in the first year, but the harvest takes time to appear.
Health
Pests, Diseases
Pests
Aphids
Curled shoot tips, sticky honeydew.
Gall mites
Pustule-like galls on leaves.
Diseases
Powdery mildew
White, powdery coating on leaf upper surfaces.
Deficiencies
Nitrogen deficiency
Defoliation from below, yellowish leaves.
Plant health
Diagnosis help
Goji Berry Diagnosis help
Pest groups
Disease groups
Fungal diseases
Prevention
Diagnosis
Mildew often occurs during stagnant heat and high humidity.
Cultural prevention
Monitoring
Weekly check for aphids in early summer.
First response
Immediately remove infested plant parts.
Diagnostic rules
White spots on leaves
Possible causes: Powdery mildew
- Check if coating wipes off
- Control site ventilation
FAQ
Why is my goji berry plant not fruiting?
Often due to excessive pruning in spring or the plant being too young (yield typically starts from the 3rd year).
Is Goji Berry safe for Dog?
Goji Berry is classified as selected parts only for Dog. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Fully ripe goji berries are suitable for dogs in small amounts as a treat. Unripe fruits, leaves, stems, roots, and bark contain toxic compounds such as solanine and can cause gastrointestinal upset. Consult a veterinarian if poisoning is suspected.
Is Goji Berry safe for Cat?
Goji Berry is classified as selected parts only for Cat. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. Fully ripe goji berries are generally safe for cats in small amounts as an occasional treat. Unripe fruits and other plant parts contain solanine and other alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal upset. Due to high fiber and sugar content, feed only occasionally.
Is Goji Berry safe for Rabbit?
Goji Berry is classified as selected parts only for Rabbit. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Fully ripe goji berries can be given to rabbits as an occasional treat. Unripe fruits, leaves, stems, roots, and seeds contain toxic compounds such as solanine and should be avoided. Due to high sugar content, feed only in moderation.
Is Goji Berry safe for Guinea pig?
Goji Berry is classified as selected parts only for Guinea pig. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Fully ripe goji berries are suitable for guinea pigs in small amounts as an occasional treat. Unripe fruits and other plant parts contain toxic compounds such as solanine and should be avoided. Due to high sugar content, feed only occasionally.
Guides
Related guides
Guide
Dogs in the Garden: Windfall Fruit and Risks
Keep your garden dog-safe by managing windfall fruit, seeds, stored crops, and potentially problematic plant parts.
Guide
Horse Pastures and Garden Plants: Safety Checks
Learn how to identify risks near horse pastures, fences, turnout areas, fruit trees, and garden planting zones.
Guide
Rabbits in the Garden: Herbs and Vegetables
Learn how to choose suitable herbs and vegetables for rabbits, grow feeding plants, and plan a rabbit-friendly garden.
Guide
Toxic Garden Plants for Cats: Safer Planning
Learn which garden plants can be risky for cats, how to plan safer beds, and what to do if a cat eats a toxic plant.
Internal links
Related plants
Potato
Chokeberry
Blackcurrant
Sea Buckthorn
Wild fruit with high vitamin content.
Chinese Boxthorn
Closely related species, also traded as Goji.
Dodder (Cuscuta)
Shared common name 'Teufelszwirn' in German; Cuscuta is a parasitic vine.
Sources
Public sources
- Wikidata entity
Wikidata · 2026-05-13
- GBIF species match
GBIF · 2026-05-13
- Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Gemeiner Bocksdorn
Wikipedia · 2026-05-13
- English Wikipedia: Lycium barbarum
Wikipedia · 2026-05-13