wolfberry

plant

Also known as: Symphoricarpos occidentalis

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Last updated

July 15, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "wolfberry" can refer to two different plants. One is the goji berry, a deciduous Asian shrub (Lycium barbarum and L. chinense) known for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. These bright red berries are rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and minerals. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years to support various organs and address ailments like diabetes and aging.1

Alternatively, "wolfberry" can also refer to a white-berried North American shrub (Symphoricarpos occidentalis) belonging to the honeysuckle family.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

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snowberry
Wolfberry (S. occidentalis), about 1.5 m tall, bears white berries. Indian currant, or coralberry (S. orbiculatus), more than 2 m tall, bears purplish berries. Creeping snowberry is a plant of the genus Gaultheria (family Ericaceae).
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Wolfberry (S. occidentalis), about 1.5 m tall, bears white berries. Indian currant, or coralberry (S. orbiculatus), more than 2 m tall, bears purplish berries. Creeping snowberry is a plant of the genus Gaultheria (family Ericaceae).
Read More