Poncirus trifoliata
Trifoliate-orange, Hardy-orange, Bitter-orange
Mature Size, Growth, Longevity
Average mature size of 8-20' tall and 5-13' wide. Slow to medium growth rate.
Native Range
Northern China, Korea. Introduced about 1850.
Flower and Fruit Details
Flowers are perfect, single, 5-petaled, white, 1.5-2" across, very fragrant, in late April to early May. Fruits are yellow berries, 1.5" across, containing numerous seeds, ripening in September or October. Very sour, can serve as a substitute for lemon and the pulp can be made into marmalade, the peel can be candied.
Leaf and Bark Features
Yellow or yellow-green fall color. Bark is bright green on younger stems, with numerous spines.
Culture and Care
Easy to transplant. Prefers well-drained, acid soils in full sun. No serious disease or insect problems.
Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA
The following taxa are (or were) represented in the collections at Boone County Arboretum. Additional taxa may be available in the trade that are not included here.
Poncirus trifoliata // Trifoliate-orange, Hardy-orange, Bitter-orange ("straight species")
Tree.
-- not currently in our collection --