Citrus

( sit - RUSS )

At-A-Glance Information

The genus Citrus includes evergreen shrubs and trees, require full sun, and need regular water. The fruits produced will attract wildlife to your yard, and also provide food for you and your family. As landscaping plants, these trees and shrubs have been used to form year-round attractive foliage shows. They bear wonderfully fragrant flowers and decorative edible fruits when they are in season. Crops produced by citrus trees include Oranges, Mandarins, Lemons, Grapefruits, Pomelos and Limes. Take care when planting citrus trees and shrubs in the garden, as ingestion of large quantities of stems and leaves can cause toxicity symptoms, and many species also have very sharp thorns.

Citrus Species and Varietals

The genus Citrus is a member of the plant family Rutaceae, making it a relative of plants like Boronia and Zanthxylum. Citrus taxonomy is historically complex and controversial, and the true number of Citrus species is unknown. The species within the Citrus genus hybridize easily, and there are many interesting hybrids to explore in addition to the various species. The best growing zones for Citrus trees varies depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

x Citroncirus spp. (Citrumelo, Swingle Citrumelo, Citrumelo Hybrid)
This hybrid is cold hardy, and is a cross between a 'Duncan' Grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi) and Trifoliate Orange (Citrus trifoliata). This plant is widely used as a rootstock for other citrus species due to its disease and cold resistances. Fruits are yellow and up to 4 inches in diameter. Their taste lands somewhere between a lemon and a grapefruit, and fruits are commonly eaten fresh sprinkled with a dusting of sugar. These trees grow best in USDA hardiness zones 6-10 or Sunset growing zones 6-9 and 16-26.

Citrus assamensis (Adajamir, Ginger Lime, Assam Lemon, Assam Orange, Adalebur Tenga, Khatta)
This rare species is native to Assam and Bangladesh, where it is locally cultivated for its fruits. The taste of Ginger Lime is described as sour with Ginger or Eucalyptus notes. Fruits are small, yellow, smooth and have a moderately thick rind. Flesh is greenish yellow and quite seedy. These trees do well in USDA hardiness zones 9a-11b or Sunset growing zones 4-9, 16-26, H1 and H2.

Citrus x aurantiifolia (Key Lime, West Indian Lime, Omani Lime, Mexican Lime, Dayap, Bilolo, Chanh)
This hybrid is native to tropical areas of southeastern Asia, and forms a shrubby tree that tops out around 16 feet tall. These plants are very thorny, and prefer temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit; They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. Fruits are small and sweet, with better harvests produced in the long run on own-rootstock trees. Key lime trees are frost sensitive and cannot handle freezing temperatures.

Citrus australasica (Australian Finger Lime, Caviar Lime)
This thorny understory shrub is native to lowland subtropical rainforest areas in Australia. Plants reach between 6 and 25 feet tall at maturity and produce elongated, slightly curved fruits that come in various colors including pink, red and green. These fruits have been recently popularized as a trendy gourmet bush food. Varieties include 'Alstonville' (with mild acidity and a narrow growth habit), 'Blunobia Pink Crystal' (with pink flesh and rind), 'Durham's Emerald' (with green fruits), 'Judy's Everbearing', and 'Pink Ice' (with pinkish fruits). These trees grow best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 6-9 and 16-26.

Citrus australis (Dooja, Round Lime, Australian Lime, Australian Round Lime, Gympie Lime, Native Lime)
These low-maintenance trees can reach 66 feet tall and produces round to pear-shaped fruits that are about 1.5 inches across. They can be grown in either full sun or dappled shade. Fruit has green skin and pale green pulp. Native to Australia's sub-tropical rainforests, this species does best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset zones 17-26, H1 and H2.

Citrus bergamia (Mondarda fistulosa) (Bergamot Orange, Sour Orange)
These plants produce fruits that are fragrant and about the size of a standard Orange. Fruits are green-yellow and have wrinkled, almost blistered skin. This species is most likely a natural hybrid of lemon and bitter orange. Flowers appear in wintertime, and fruit juice is less sour than a Lemon, but more bitter than a Grapefruit. They do best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones A1, A2, and 1-9.

Citrus cavaleriei (Ichang Papeda, Ichang Lemon, Yicheng Cheng)
These plants have lemon-scented flowers and foliage and are among the hardiest of the Citrus genus. These plants are rarely cultivated and are occasionally grown as ornamental plants due to their interesting foliage. The Shangjuan (or Ichang Lemon) is a hybrid cross between Citrus cavalerei and Citrus maxima. Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, these trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 7b-10b or sunset growing zones 4-9, 16-26, H1 and H2.

Citrus x clementina (Clementine, Mandarin Orange, Clementine Mandarin)
This popular hybrid is widely cultivated around the world, and is a cross between a Willowleaf Mandarin Orange (Citrus x deliciosa) and a Sweet Orange (Citrus x sinensis).The fruit is named to honor Clement Rodier, a French missionary who first created the plant in Algeria while working at an orphanage. Fruits are easy to peel, and have a deep orange color, with sweet juicy flesh. They are great for eating fresh. These trees are best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 16-26, H1 and H2.

Citrus x depressa (Citrus pectinifera) (Taiwan Tangerine, Flat Lemon, Hirami Lemon, Thin-Skinned Flat Lemon, Okinawa Lime, Tachibana Orange 'Shekwasha', Shiikwaasaa, Shequasar)
This hybrid species produces very sour fruits that are commonly used to flavor or garnish dishes or drinks. Fruits are also used to create preserves or juice which is thinned and sweetened. Trees reach about 10-15 feet tall at maturity and produce fruits with dark green skin. Flesh is yellow-golden in color. These trees are best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 16-26, H1 and H2.

Citrus flaviculpus x Citrus unishiu (Shonan Gold)
These plants produce bright yellow fruits with few seeds. Flesh is tender, succulent, and sweet, and fruits ripen in April, retaining edibility through May. These trees have alternate-bearing tendencies, meaning that crops will be notably heavier in alternating years. Young saplings have thorns, which are shed as the trees age. This species does best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 16-26, H1 and H2.

Citrus glauca (Desert Lime, Australian Desert Lime, Bush Lime, Wild Lime, Limebush, Native Kumquat, Desert Kumquat)
These shrub and small trees are native to Queensland, Australia, and are members of one of the most resilient Citrus species. This species is very important for modern Citrus breeding programs, and can reach about 38 feet tall at maturity. Desert Lime is a parent of many important Citrus hybrids. Leaves are green and small, and fruits are yellow and very tiny compared with other Citrus fruits. An important cultivar is the Australian Outback Lime, which has flavorful fruit, high yields, and suitability for mechanical harvesting. Hardy to 27 degrees Fahrenheit and good in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Citrus halimii (Mountain Citron, Kadangsa Papeda, Limau Kadangsa, Limau Kedut Kera, Som Chit Tai)
This species produces very sour (but edible) fruits. These mid-sized evergreen trees top out around 20-25 feet tall and have fewer thorns than other species in the genus. Fruits are round, measuring 2-3 inches in diameter and have yellow-orange rinds that are difficult to remove from flesh. Cold hardy. This species grows well in USDA zones 10a-12b.

Citrus x hassaku (Hassaku Orange, Jagada)
This hybrid between pomelo and mandarin produces large fruits similar to tart oranges with yellow-orange skin. These trees are best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 16-26, H1 and H2, and are vigorous and upright. Branches are virtually thornless, and leaves are large. Fruits should be eaten soon after harvesting, as they can turn bitter and have a sulfur flavor if left out for too long.

Citrus hystrix (Thai Lime, Makrut Lime, Leech Lime, Combawa)
Native to tropical regions of southeast Asia, this thorny species produces heavily wrinkled fruits and fragrant leaves (reminiscent of citronella) that are commonly used in cooking. These shrubs or small trees reach between 6 and 25 feet tall at maturity. Fruits are harvested in late winter to early springtime. Best in USDA hardiness zones 10-12.

Citrus x iyo (Iyokan, First Lady, Iyo Mikan, Anadomikan)
Similar in appearance to Mandarins, the fruits of these trees are orange, round, and have relatively smooth skin. Flesh is slightly sour and more bitter than an orange, but sweeter than a grapefruit. There is a variety of this hybrid (Gokaku no Iyokan) which has pentagonal shaped fruits. These trees grow best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 4-9, 16-26, H1 and H2.

Citrus x jabara (Jabara)
This rare Japanese citrus hybrid is similar to Yuzu. Rinds and juice have a peppery fragrance and taste, and can be used as an alternative to vinegar in many dishes. Fruits are yellow when ripe, and flesh is light golden yellow. Jabara trees grow best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 4-9, 16-26, H1 and H2.

Citrus x japonica (Kumquat, Cumquat, Round Kumquat, Japanese Cumquat, Marumi Kumquat)
Olive-sized orange fruits are produced by these thornless, somewhat cold-hardy plants. This species is thought to be a hybrid between Citrus margarita and Citrus crassifolia. Flowers are dainty and white, and fruits taste sweet and slightly acidic. These are small to medium-sized trees with a dense bushy growth habit and rounded canopy, reaching between 8 and 15 feet tall and just as wide at maturity. Best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or sunset growing zones 4-9, 16-26, H1 and H2.

Citrus x junos (Yuzu, Yuja)
These relatively rare fruits resemble yellow-green clementines and have an enticing fragrance. This species is slow-growing and forms an upright shrub or tree with large thorns. An ornamental variety grown for its aesthetic attributes rather than its fruits is called 'Hana Yuzu', and another variety with knobby-skinned fruits is called 'Shishi Yuzu'. These trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.

Citrus kawachiensis (Kawachi Bankan, Mishokan, Uwa Gold, Japanese Grapefruit)
This citrus hybrid species is cultivated for its wonderful fruits, and is native to Japan. Juicy fruits produced by these trees are large (between half a pound and a pound each) and slightly conical in shape. Rind is yellow-orange, and flesh is golden. These trees have a dense branching structure, and take an irregular elliptic form. Fruit matures late in the season, and is sweet and slightly acidic. These trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 10a-11.

Citrus x latifolia (Persian Lime, Bearss Lime, Seedless Lime, Tahiti Lime)
This hybrid is a cross between the Key Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) and the Lemon (Citrus limon). Fruits are yellow when ripe, but are universally sold when still green. Trees are almost thornless and fruits are larger and have a longer shelf life than the Key Lime. Fruits are sometimes dried and ground into a spice. Widely cultivated varieties include Bearss Lime (developed by John T. Bearss in Porterville, CA), Page Lime, Persian Lime SPB-7, Pond's Lime, and Tahiti Lime. These trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Citrus latipes (Khasi Papeda, Heiribob, Soh-Shyrkhoit, Monkey Fruit)
Sometimes mistaken for the Makrut Lime, this species is native to northeastern India. This species forms a small, thorny tree and produces edible fruits, though they are not commonly cultivated as crop plants due to their dense foliage. This species is best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 4-9, 16-26, H1 and H2.

Citrus leiocarpa (Koji Orange, Smooth-Fruited Orange, Bingyul)
Native to Japan, this Citrus species forms a densely branched evergreen tree with dark green foliage, a short trunk and a broad crown. Bright orange fruits ripen October through November and are very seedy. Trees are densely branched with broad crowns and straight, short trunks. Koji Orange grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Citrus limetta (Mousami, Musami, Mosambi, Sweet Lime, Sweet Lemon, Sweet Limetta)
These small, round yellow fruits are produced in the Middle East and Mediterranean, and grow on a tree that reaches 26 feet tall at maturity. Thorny. These plants are best in tropical or subtropical climates, and production peaks at around 10-20 years. Fruits have a sweet, lime-like flavor. Mousami grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9-10.

Citrus limon (Lemon, Limon, Citronnier)
These small evergreen trees are native to Asia, and are hardy down to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The plants themselves require little ongoing care and pruning. Remove 'water shoots' as they appear. Popularly cultivated varieties include 'Bonnie Brae', 'Eureka', 'Four Seasons', 'Lisbon', 'Femminello St. Theresa', 'Sorrento', and 'Yen Ben'. Best in USDA zones 8-11.

Citrus x limonia (Rangpur, Lemandarin, Rangpur Lime, Canton Lemon, Hime Lemon, Surkh Nimboo)
These trees are hybrids between Mandarins and Citrons, producing fruits with very acidic flavor with heavy sweet overtones and deep orange skin. These fruits can be used in place of limes in most recipes. Flesh is bright orange. This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 4-9, 16-26, H1 and H2.

Citrus x limonimedica (Florentine Citron, Cedrato di Firenze, Lemon Citron, Cedrato)
This hybrid hails from Italian Renaissance gardens, and is a cross between citron and lemon. Fruits are very fragrant and have yellow skin. They are pointed at one end. This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 4-9, 16-26, H1 and H2. It forms a shrub or small tree to 10-20 feet tall at maturity.

Citrus x lumia (Pear Lemon, French Lime, Sweet Lemon, Birnenlimone, Patriarch-Citrone, Susse Limone, Poir du Commandeur)
This hybrid produces fruits that are pear-shaped and yellow, with a thick peel and not much juice. Flesh is greenish-yellow. Included in this group are hybrids of varying characteristics, including 'Hybride Fourny', 'Jaffa Lemon', 'Borneo', and 'Barum'. These trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 4-9, 16-26, H1 and H2.

Citrus mangshanensis (Mangshanyegan, Mangshan Wild Mandarin)
This species is native to the forests of south-central China, and produces small orange fruits with sweet, citrusy flavor. Skin is yellow and slightly wrinkled. These trees are native to Hunan, China, and were first described in the 1980's. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 4-9, 16-26, H1 and H2.

Citrus maxima (Citrus grandis) (Pomelo, Pommelo, Shaddock)
This is the largest of the citrus fruits, and is an ancestor of the Grapefruit. These trees are native to southeast Asia. Take care when consuming these fruits; they have the same phytochemicals as Grapefruits that make them susceptible to causing fatal drug interactions. Trees can reach between 16 and 50 feet tall, and have evergreen foliage on low-hanging, irregular branches and sometimes crooked trunks. Pomelo trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Citrus maxima x Citrus medica (Ponderosa Lemon, Skierniewice Lemon)
These slow growing trees reach between 12 and 24 feet tall at maturity and have long, glossy evergreen leaves. Fruits are yellow and somewhat wrinkled, borne throughout the year. Fruits are seedy and have a taste similar to a Lemon. These plants are not grown commercially, but dwarfed varieties are popular as ornamental container citrus trees. Best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Citrus maxima x Citrus paradisi (Oroblanco Grapefruit, Oro Blanco, Pomelit, Sweetie)
These hybrid trees produce fruits that are less acidic and less bitter than grapefruits, and have a round or oval shape. The rind is thicker than that of a Grapefruit. These trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 and reach up to between 15 and 30 feet tall and 12 to 30 feet wide when mature.

Citrus medica (Citron, Cedrate, Finger Citron, Longevity Orange, Five Finger Orange)
This evergreen species produces large, fragrant fruits with thick rinds. These fruits look a bit like huge, wrinkled lemons. These slow-growing shrubs or small trees reaches about 8 to 15 feet tall at maturity, and has irregular, straggly branches. These plants are extremely vigorous, blooming and fruiting multiple times each year, though are very sensitive to frost. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Balady Citron
This species is mainly grown in Israel and Palestine for use in Jewish ritual purposes.

Buddha's Hand
Citrus medica sarcodactylis forms a small tree or shrub and produces fruits with fingerlike protrusions.

Corsican Citron
Very large (up to 8 lbs.), elongated wrinkly fruits that have solid, crisp fruits with not much juice.

Diamante Citron
Native to Italy, these plants produce yellow fruits with thick rinds.

Etrog
Color, taste, and scent are similar to lemon. Used in Jewish traditions.

Greek Citron
Also called Pitima, this fruit has dry, juiceless pulp and a large, edible rind.

Moroccan Citron
These fruits have little flesh and a lot of pulp.

Pompia
Large fruits with inner yellow pulp that is dry and inedible.

Citrus x meyeri (Meyer Lemon)
This Citrus is not a true lemon, but is instead a cross between a citron and a mandarin/pomelo. Mature trees reach about 6-12 feet tall, and fruits are deep yellow and round. Flavor is sweeter and less acidic than many lemon varieties; they are great for seasoning fish and seafood. These trees are commonly cultivated in containers and are perfect for small-space gardens. A virus-free, hardy semi-dwarf selection was released by the UC system in 1975 and is called the 'Improved Meyer Lemon'. Meyer Lemon trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Citrus x microcarpa (x Citrofortunella mitis) (Calamansi, Calamondin, Philippine Lime, Philippine Lemon, Panama Orange, Golden Lime)
This Citrus hybrid is predominately cultivated in the Philippines, and is a cross between the Kumquat (Citrus x japonica) and Mandarin Orange (Citrus reticulata). Calamansi trees do well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Citrus myrtifolia (Chinotto, Myrtle-Leaved orange Tree)
These trees have foliage that resembles the Common Myrtle (Myrtus communis), and reach about 16 feet tall. Leaves and white flowers are fragrant. Chinotto is native to southern Europe, and is cultivated as an edimental in many Western gardens, doing well in ground or in containers. Fruit is bitter, and is mainly used for jams, syrups, and candies; processing can reduce the bitterness. These trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Citrus natsudaidai (Amanatsu, Kawano Natsu Daidai, Japanese Summer Orange, Natsumikan, Summer Citrus, Sweet Summer)
This yellow citrus fruit is about the size of a grapefruit with a rough skin texture that is easy to peel and eaten fresh. This species was derived from the pomelo (Citrus maxima). These trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 4-9, 16-26, H1 and H2.

Citrus natsudaidai x Citrus unishu (Kobayashi Mikan)
This citrus hybrid was developed in Japan and is also grown commercially in California. These trees are the result of a graft chimaera, and are not truly a genetic cross between the two species. Grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 4-9, 16-26, H1 and H2.

Citrus nobilis x Citrus deliciosa (Kinnow, Kinnow Mandarin)
This hybrid is grown extensively in India and Pakistan, and trees can reach upwards of 35 feet tall in hot conditions. These are highly productive trees; in a single season a tree can bear around 1,000 fruits. High seed content makes this hybrid difficult to eat fresh. It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 4-9, 16-26, H1 and H2.

Citrus obovoidea x Citrus unishu (Kinkoji Unishu, Kinkoji, Bloomsweet Grapefruit, Golden Citrus)
This hybrid is actually a graft chimaera and occurs naturally in Japan. It is cultivated commercially in California, and produces moderately large pale to dark yellow fruits with bright orange flesh. Taste is mild, but fruits are juicy. Rind is a little thinner than that of a Pomelo. Best in USDA hardiness zones 8-10.

Citrus x paradisi (Grapefruit, Pomelo, Pamplemousse)
This hybrid Citrus produces large sour to semi-sweet, somewhat bitter fruits. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. Flesh is yellow to pinkish red and juicy, and the peel is commonly yellow-orange to peach-colored, sometimes flushed with pink. Trees reach between 15 and 20 feet tall, although under the right conditions they will top out at almost 50 feet. Varieties include 'Duncan', 'Flame', 'Henderson', 'Hudson', 'Marsh', 'Oro Blanco', 'Pink', 'Pummelo HB', 'Ray', 'Rio Star', 'Ruby Red', 'Star Ruby', 'Thompson', 'Triumph', 'Walters', and 'White Marsh'.

Citrus paradisi x Citrus sinensis (Orangelo, Chironja)
This cross between a Grapefruit and an Orange originated in Puerto Rico. Fruits are eaten as Grapefruits are, usually fresh with a spoon. Flesh is sweeter and brighter than a Grapefruit and is easier to peel. Fruits are either round or pear-shaped. Orangelo trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Citrus poonensis (Ponkan, Chinese Honey Orange, Ponkan Tangerine, Nagpur Suntara, Batangas Mandarin)
This high-yield sweet Citrus cultivar has large fruits about the same size as an Orange, and has noticeably alternate-bearing years. Fruits are easy to peel, and these trees are widely grown in the United States, Brazil, Japan and China. The 'Dekopan' fruit is a cross between Citrus poonensis and Citrus unishu x sinensis. These trees thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Citrus reticulata (Mandarin Orange, Mandarine)
These trees produce small, round fruits that are generally eaten fresh or added to salads. Flesh is sweet and citrusy, and the peel is loose, making for an easy snack. Trees are moderate in height, reaching about 25 feet tall at maturity. Tree trunk and major branches are thorny, and white, fragrant flowers are produced in spring and summertime. Variety 'Kanpei' ('Ehime Queen Splash') is a popular variety sold in Japan. These Citrus trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Citrus reticulata x Citrus maxima (Tangelo, Honeybell, Bitter Orange, Seville Orange)
These tart, tangy citrus fruits have orange skin with a nipple towards the stem end and have a high juice to flesh ratio. Varieties include 'Orlando', 'Minneola', 'Jamaican Tangelo', 'K-Early' ('Sunrise'), 'Mapo', 'Seminole', and 'Thornton'. This species of Citrus grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Citrus x sinensis (Orange, Sweet Orange, Navel Orange, Valencia Orange, Apfelsine)
This hybrid is a cross between the Pomelo (Citrus maxima) and Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) species, and produces sweet, round orange fruits. These plants are native to Myanmar, Southern China, and Northeast India. Orange trees grow best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. There are many cultivars, the most popularly cultivated of which are listed and described below.

Valencia Orange
These late-season oranges are popular counterparts for Navels. Good for juicing. Cultivars include 'Parson Brown', 'Marss', Garey's', 'Moro Tarrocco' and 'Hamlin'.

Blood Orange
(Raspberry Orange)
Deep red flesh and skin flushing when cool. Skin is tougher and harder to peel than other varieties. Cultivars include 'Moro' (colorful flesh), 'Tarrocco' (sweetest), and 'Sanguinello' (with red-streaked orange flesh).

Navel Orange
These plants produce two fruits within one rind and are seedless. Strong, easily removable peel with sweet flesh. Popular cultivars include 'Cara Cara' (with pink flesh), and 'Washington' (a classic-style Navel).

Acidless Orange
(Sweet Orange)
These trees produce fruits low in acidity with a short shelf life. They are able to be harvested early in the season, and are profitable commercial crops if sold locally.

Citrus sphaerocarpa (Kabosu)
This broadleaf evergreen tree is popularly grown in Japan, where it is native. It is closely related to Yuzu, and has a rich sour taste and unique fragrance. It is commonly used to flavor dishes. Trees can reach about 10 feet tall and wide, and are typically grafted to dwarfed rootstock, maintained around 6-8 feet tall. Kabosu trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Fun Fact: The Shiba Inu who became famously featured in the Doge meme was named Kabosu, because her owner thought that her round face resembled the fruits from these trees.

Citrus sudachi (Sudachi, Sudachi Lime, Sudachi Ichandrin, Japanese Lemon)
A good substitute for lime or lemon in culinary applications, this species of Citrus produces green fruits with pale flesh. These plants are native to Japan, where they are commercially grown and harvested. This species is best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Citrus tamurana (Hyuganatsu, Konatsu, Tosakonatsu, New Summer Orange)
This species of Citrus is native to Japan, where it is cultivated for its fruits. These fruits are most likely a natural hybrid between Yuzu and Pomelo. Fruits are medium-sized, and round to slightly oblong in shape. Flesh is juicy and sweet with a slightly sour taste, and is usually eaten fresh sprinkled with sugar. Trees grow well in USDA zones 9-10 and reach 7-10 feet tall when mature.

Citrus tamurana natsudaidai (Haruka, Enka)
Commonly grown in Japan and the Korean Peninsula, this cultivar produces small to medium sized fruits that on average weigh about half a pound. Flesh is yellow in color, and moderately seedy with a sweet but mild citrus flavor. Pith is spongy, sweet, and edible. Many fruits have a protrusion towards the stem end. Fruit are a bit difficult to peel by hand. Trees reach up to 6.5-10 feet tall when mature and grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Citrus tangerina (Tangerine)
This evergreen species reaches between 10 and 15 feet at maturity. Fruits are less round and much smaller than common Orange fruits, and have a sweeter but stronger taste. Peel is thin and easily removable, making these great snacking fruits straight off the plant. Peak tangerine harvesting season is fall to springtime. These trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Citrus trifoliata (Poncis trifoliata) (Trifoliate Orange, Japanese Bitter Orange, Karatachi, Hardy Orange, Chinese Bitter Orange)
Native to northern China and Korea, this species is considered cold-hardy, and is therefore used as a rootstock for other citrus species to increase their cold tolerance. Shoots and branches are thorny, and mildly fragrant flowers are white. Fruit ripens from green to yellow and skin is finely downy, similar to a peach. 'Flying Dragon' is a dwarf cultivar that is commonly used as a rootstock for dwarf or semi-dwarf cultivars of other species. Fruits are very bitter and are considered inedible when fresh. They are best in preserves or dried and powdered for use as a condiment. Best in USDA zones 5-9.

Citrus unshiu (Satsuma, Satsuma Mandarin, Japanese Mandarin)
This species of Citrus produces some of the sweetest fruits in the genus on an evergreen tree. There are many hybrids of this species, including the Tsunonozomi, which is a cross of the Kiyomi Tangor (C. unishu x C. sinensis) with the Encore Mandarin (C. nobilis x C. deliciosa). These trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.

Citrus volkameriana (Volkamer Lemon, Volckamer Lemon)
Named for German botanist Johann Christoph Volkamer, this species of Citrus is native to Italy, and is widely grown in the United States and Europe. Fruit is orange-sized and yellow-orange in color. Taste is pleasant, bitter, and has a pleasant fragrance. Commonly used as a rootstock to boost resiliencies of other Citrus species. Volkamer Lemon trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Caring for Citrus

Take care when planting citrus trees and shrubs in the garden, as ingestion of large quantities of stems and leaves can cause toxicity symptoms, and many species also have very sharp thorns. For the most part, citrus trees prefer to be planted in a spot that receives full sun (at least 6-8 hours of sun each day). South-facing areas are ideal for planting citrus. Most species thrive in warm, subtropical climates, and can tolerate some brief cold spells, but severe frost can be damaging. Make sure to protect trees (especially young ones) from extended freezing temperatures. Soil should be well-draining and have a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0. If soil is particularly heavy or clayey, consider amending soil with plenty of organic material before planting. Citrus trees also do well when planted in raised beds or large containers. Apply a thick layer (2-3 inches) of mulch around the base of the plant after installing to increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperatures. Water newly planted trees regularly (about 1-2 times per week) to help them establish a strong root system. Once they are mature, these trees can be watered deeply but infrequently (every 1-3 weeks). Avoid overwatering citrus trees, as this can lead to root rot issues. Let soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Citrus trees benefit from yearly feedings with compost. If trees seem to be struggling or if soil is particularly poor, they may benefit from a feeding with a citrus-specific fertilizer that is high in nitrogen with balanced levels of phosphorus and potassium. Apply fertilizers in springtime during the growing season, and again in summer if needed. Avoid fertilizing in the fall or winter. Prune these trees to maintain a manageable shape and size and promote good airflow through the center. This will help reduce pest and disease development. When pruning, remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any that cross or grow inward towards the center of the tree. For younger trees, a light pruning will suffice. Older trees, especially if they have not been pruned for a bit, will need more maintenance prunings. Cover young or sensitive trees with frost cloth or burlap during cold spells. Alternatively, container-grown trees can be moved into a more sheltered area or into a greenhouse during the cooler months of the year.

Caring for Citrus in Containers

Harvesting Citrus

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Propagation

Citrus can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Citrus, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Citrus by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage the new tree.

Propagating Citrus by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. Seeds are viable once fruits are ripe and begin dropping from the tree. Remove the seeds from the inner flesh of the citrus fruit and rinse them with cold water. Soak the seeds in cool water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat. Discard any seeds that float; they are not viable and will not germinate.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a half inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home. Growing citrus from seed takes a lot of patience; it can take 10 years or more for a citrus tree to mature and produce fruits.