Citrus trifoliata

Common Names

Trifoliate Orange, Hardy Orange, Flying Dragon, Bitter Orange, Japanese Bitter Orange, Chinese Bitter Orange, Chinese Citron, Golden Apple

Summary

Citrus trifoliata, commonly called hardy orange or trifoliate orange, is native to northern China and Korea and grows as a thorny, densely branched shrub or small tree with trifoliate leaves, large thorns up to 5 cm, and fragrant white flowers in spring; its orange fruits, 3–4 cm across, are sour and seedy and persist into fall, adding winter and seasonal interest.

Hardy in USDA zones 5–10, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil and tolerates drought once established; it is valued as a barrier hedge and as citrus rootstock, can be propagated by seed or cuttings, and requires pruning to maintain shape; fruits are used for marmalade.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

8-20 feet

Spread

6-15 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun; tolerates partial sun.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soils.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil, preferably lightweight, loose loam or sandy loam that quickly sheds excess water while retaining adequate moisture, avoiding soggy conditions and heavy clay; for heavy clay, improve drainage with organic matter or by planting on a slight mound

Soil pH

No specific ideal soil pH; tolerates a broad pH range from 5.5-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral) and prefers well-drained soils.

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green (yellowish-green in spring, glossy dark green in summer, yellow in autumn)

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall (Autumn), and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings