Trifoliate orange Citrus trifoliata
ABOUT
Trifoliate oranges differ from other citrus varieties and are not considered true citrus, but are one of the few hardy orange varieties suitable for colder climates.
Trifoliate orange is a perennial shrub up to 13 feet tall with large spikes (1.2 - 2.0 inches) and deciduous leaves. The leaves are leathery and have very nice shaped.
Flowers are white, with yellow stamens, about 2.0 inches in diameter. The flowers are larger and the fragrance is much less pronounced than in true citrus. Like true citrus, the leaves give off a spicy odor when crushed.
Fruits are bright yellow, rounded, less often pear-shaped, 1.2-1.6 inches in diameter. The peel has a velvety peach-like texture.
The fruit also has a distinctive odor from other citrus varieties and often contains a high concentration of seeds. The flesh is inedible and bitter. The fruit ripens in late summer, early fall.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rutaceae
Synonyms
Japanese bitter-orange, Hardy orange, Chinese bitter orange, Chinese citron, Flying dragon, Golden apple, Trifoliate orange
Common names
Poncirus trifoliata, Aegle sepiaria, Bilacus trifoliata, Citrus trifolia, Citrus triptera, Pseudaegle sepiaria
ToxicityTo humans
According to the University of North Carolina it “causes only low toxicity if eaten, skin irritation minor, or lasting only for a few minutes.
To pets
Orange poisoning in pets is rarely fatal and is only mildly toxic to your pet unless they eat a large amount.
The main toxicity lies in the peel of the orange, which also poses a choking hazard because it is very thick and difficult to digest.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
Up to 13 feet
Spread
Up to 7 feet
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Korea, China
Benefits
General BenefitsAn excellent citrus plant for cold winter gardens with a distinctive winter dormancy period. In summer it is great in garden decoration. Particularly spectacular when in bloom.
Thanks to its high frost-resistance (it tolerates frosts as low as -5 °F) and low susceptibility to pests and diseases it is often bred as an ornamental plant, and in the subtropics it is used to create hedges.
On the Black Sea coast of Caucasus poncirus is used as a main rootstock for cultivated varieties of citrus because this species is very frost-resistant. Thanks to good compatibility of the plant with representatives of Citrus genus, it is used in cross-breeding to produce frost-resistant and disease-resistant varieties and hybrids.
Medical PropertiesIn Chinese medicine, it is used to treat typhoid fever, toothache, hemorrhoids, conjunctivitis, colds, and itchy skin.
However, do not use this herb on its own without consulting your doctor. This herb can cause serious allergic reactions.
Air-purifying QualitiesLike other plants, Citrus trifoliata absorbs carbon dioxide from the air during photosynthesis and releases oxygen back into the environment, which can help to improve air quality indoors and outdoors. However, Citrus trifoliata is typically grown for its ornamental value or as a rootstock for other citrus plants, rather than for its air-purifying properties.
Other UsesIn manufacturing, Trifoliate orange oil is used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and soaps.
The branches of Trifoliate orange dyed in gold, silver or bronze are actively used in floristry.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCitruses are considered the most yang of all fruit. Feng shui practitioners use oranges, orange peel and oil in many blessings and cures.
It's seen as creating instant vitality and positive chi.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThere is no direct correlation between Citrus trifoliata, also known as trifoliate orange, and zodiac sign compatibility.
Plant SymbolismCitrus trifoliata, also known as trifoliate orange or hardy orange, has several symbolic meanings associated with it. Here are some of the most common:
Resilience: Citrus trifoliata is known for its hardiness and ability to withstand a wide range of growing conditions, including cold temperatures and poor soil quality. As such, the plant is often associated with resilience and strength, and may be used as a symbol of overcoming adversity.
Protection: The thorny branches of Citrus trifoliata make it an effective deterrent against animals and humans. As such, the plant may be used as a symbol of protection and security.
Abundance: Citrus fruits are known for their sweet, tangy flavor, and may be associated with abundance, fertility, and prosperity. In Chinese culture, the fruit is often given as a gift during the Lunar New Year as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
Energy and vitality: The bright green leaves and fragrant flowers of Citrus trifoliata may be seen as a symbol of energy, growth, and vitality. The plant's citrus fruits are also high in vitamin C, which is known for its immune-boosting properties.
New beginnings: The plant's citrus fruits ripen in the fall and winter, making them a symbol of new beginnings and the start of a new cycle. In some cultures, Citrus trifoliata may be used in ritual or ceremonial contexts to mark the start of a new year or season.
WaterIn summer, regular watering is necessary, but you can not overwater the soil. Approximately once at 7 - 10 days.
In winter, watering is very infrequent. Water no more often than once every 30 to 40 days if the plant is in a dark and cold room. If conditions are different watering 1 - 2 times a week.
LightCitrus trifoliata depends to a large extent on light. It must be bright, a southern or southeastern window will do. Shading at noon is not done even in summer.
TemperatureIf the plant is indoors, room temperature is fine during the growing season. In autumn and winter it is better to reduce it to plus 46 - 53° F. If it doesn't work, find the coolest spot and put Trifoliate orange there.
Trifoliate orange has no problem wintering outdoors in climate zone 6. In cooler climates, it can fall ill or die if temperatures fall below -5°F. It is advisable to watch the weather forecast and take care of sheltering in advance.
PruningWithout pruning, it begins to branch almost from the base of the main trunk. Pruning is done in spring, before the beginning of the sap movement. It is necessary to remove dry, broken, thin, thickening branches are removed. The remaining shoots are shortened by a third.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTrifoliate orange is undemanding to the soil, but prefers fertile, moderately moist, well-drained.
Acidity is suitable from 6.1 - 7.8 pH. However, it does not tolerate too salty soil.
RepottingIf the plant grows in the open ground, Trifoliate orange should immediately choose a permanent place. Transplants do not like the culture, because of the injury of the roots can die.
If growing as an indoor plant, the young plant should be transplanted once a year. An adult plant - once every 2 years.
Humidity & MistingHumidity is constantly high during the growing season or during warm overwintering. If the room temperature is low during the cold season, spraying is excluded.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Cultivated mainly as an outdoor plant, but can also be grown in a large pot indoors.
Outdoor
All year round.
The plant tolerates frosts down to -5° F, so it can grow outside in many regions of the world. If the temperature is lower than necessary, the plant should be insulated so that the plant does not die.Hardiness zone
5 - 9 USDA
Life cycleDuring the winter, the plant sheds its leaves.
Quite an ornamental plant and brings a tropical look to the garden.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most common method of propagation is by cuttings:
Cut off a 12-inch-long, half-timbered branch from the tree. Remove all leaves from the lower half and cut off the leaf-free end at an angle.
Dip this end in rooting hormone and plant in quality soil.
Plant several twigs in this way, keep the soil moist and wait for your cuttings to root.
PestsSpider mite
DiseasesRoot Rot
