Trifolate Orange

Trifoliate Orange Citrus trifoliata

Please note this species has been labeled as invasive in many south eastern states. We will not sell/ship trifoliate oranges to states where it is classified as invasive. 

Trifoliate is an interesting citrus tree known for its cold hardiness. The trees are known to survive down to USDA hardiness zone 6. Trifoliate orange trees produce a small fruit that most consider too biter for fresh eating. These fruits can be prepared in various ways however most people (on this continent) grow trifoliate for use as root stock. When used as a root stock trifoliate orange trees confer some cold hardiness to the grafted citrus variety. I love the smell of trifoliate fruit although as of yet I have not tried to eat them. Each fruit is loaded with a many seeds. 

Typically maxing out between 13-26 feet some would consider these more of a shrub than a tree. The trees will often lose their leaves in the dormant season. Trifoliate have very large and formidable thorns. The thorns and stems remain green all year round providing a nice splash of color in winter. 

Do note that these trees are from Asia and care should be used when selecting a site. They are known to spread by seed in some areas and due to their thorns can become a barrier to humans and wildlife. They can grow in sunny & shady conditions.