Citrus trifoliata

Showy, small fruit that look like miniature downy oranges follow deliciously fragrant white flowers on this very thorny shrub/tree with its dense, dark-green leathery leaves; the fruit is edible, but very acidic and seedy, it can be used to make marmalade; pretty yellow-orange fall color and the thorny silhouette is quite attractive in the winter; also makes a wonderful and impenetrable hedge. S/M Sorry, we cannot ship this to Ca, TX, FL or AZ.

The Trifoliate Orange, also called the Hardy Orange or Chinese Bitter Orange, is commonly debated to be part of the Citrus genus being fully deciduous with pubescent fruit. It can be grown to a fully mature height of 10 feet in approximately 10 years and can handles seasonal frost and snow exposure well. Its ability to withstand cold and moisture make it a popular candidate for citrus rootstock where it can have a dwarfing effect. The fruit is orange-green in color, which taste bitter and smell somewhat like pine. As a result the fruit is commonly used to make marmalade, syrup, or dried for use as a condiment. Fruit aside, the tree is an attractive ornamental, and its dense thorny branches make it a useful hedge plant along property lines. The leaves change to a beautiful yellow in the autumn and the fruit often holds on the tree into the winter, creating year-round interest. Cold hardy to USDA zone 5 and above, or to -20 degrees Fahrenheit This plant cannot be shipped to California, Florida, Louisiana, or Texas

Thorny branches, white flowers spring, tiny sour oranges, irregular habit, hardy to zone 5/6

The hard lemon-like fruits that this small tree (8') produces may be brought in the house in the winter where they will soften and suffuse the air with a lemony fragrance (I've heard). The fruit when left in the house for a while can also be used in cooking. The flowers of the tree are very fragrant, but as you can see, the really important aspect of this tree is the thorns. When planted as a hedge, the result is impenetrability. zone 5

Interesting twisted stems that's been embraced in horticulture for accent use. Stems are twisted and contorted. Stunning in spring when the evil looking thorns gently hold beautiful white blossoms. Can be used to deter traffic - no sane person or animal would try to pass thru a hedge of this! Tremendous late fall and winter character plus attractive fruit. The fruit is about the size of a tangerine, more yellow than orange with a very thick rind and VERY SOUR. While it drops its leaves in winter, the thorny stems remain green. Hardy to -15, it can even be grown into zone 5 with protection.

Bitter orange, very architectural with green stems and wicked thorns. Extremely hardy, deciduous citrus, best in winter when the green stems and thorns are exposed and large orange fruits hang on. In spring, there are white flowers with a sweet fragrance. Plant in containers for more drama; in the ground for easiest care. 10' in time... a long time. Extremely frost hardy, to USDA zone 5.