NPSOT Logo
npsot_bluebonnet_full_color

Trifoliate Orange

Citrus trifoliata

Other Common Names

Hardy Orange

Plant Category

Shrub, Tree

Invasive Description

Trifoliate Orange is native to central and northern China. The common name Trifoliate Orange is in reference to the plant’s three-lobed leaves and orange fruit. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree to 8-30 ft. in height. The leaves are alternate, compound (trifoliate), to 2 in. long and have a winged petiole. The twigs are green with stout, 1 in. long thorns. The bark is conspicuously green-striped. Appearing in spring, the white flowers are fragrant, 5-petaled, 1-2 in. in diameter and showy. The fruit are edible but they are very acidic and seedy. They ripen to a bright yellow and are usually 1-2.5 inches in diameter. Introduced in the 1850s, the plant was possibly used as a thorny hedge to confine livestock. Synonym: Poncirus trifoliata

Ecological Threat

Trifoliate Orange succeeds in a variety of habitats, forming dense thickets in woodlands, forest edges, and disturbed urban areas such as fence rows and green spaces. The shrub grows very rapidly in the understory and is able to shade out native plants. The vicious thorns do not provide adequate habitat or shelter for nesting birds, squirrels or burrowing animals. The long thorns repel browsers.

You may not want or need to replace this invasive plant, but if you do, options are listed below.

How to Eradicate

For information on how to eradicate this invasive, view our statement on herbicide use and preferred alternatives for invasive plants.

Native Alternatives

You can replace this invasive plant with native alternatives. Here are some plants that make superior replacements.

Match your location on the Texas map to the color squares on the replacement plants below to find suitable replacements for your ecoregion.

Click for more details about the ecoregions