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Native Plant Society of Texas

Limoncillo

Esenbeckia berlandieri

Other common name(s):

Berlandier's Jopoy, Berlandier Jopoy, Jopoy, Berlandier's Esenbeckia, Berlandier Esenbeckia, Runyon Esenbeckia

Family:

Rutaceae (Rue Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes
Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Tree

Height

15
to
35
ft.

Spread

5
to
35
ft.

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Loam, Moist, Sand, Well Drained

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade, Shade

Water Requirement

Low, Medium

Native Habitat

Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Nesting Material

Wildlife Benefit

Birds, Nectar Insects

Maintenance

Slow growing. Very low maintenance. Prefers moist, rocky landscapes. Endangered globally; rare to find in the wild but are sold in nurseries that have learned to propagate them. One of only five citrus species, in the Lower Rio Grand Valley. Native habitat: streams and river banks.

Description

Blooms March-October. A small to medium sized tree. Produces glossy leaves, with wavy margins, that are divided into 3 leaflets. Flowers produced in terminal clusters. Roundish fruit capsules have 4-5 single seed compartments.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Esenbeckia runyonii

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Stem Cutting Trim the base of the cutting just below a node, and remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes. Apply a rooting hormone to the cut end to enhance root development. This step is crucial for successful rooting. Use a well-draining propagation medium like perlite or coarse sand. Insert the treated cutting about 2-3 inches deep into the medium, ensuring that at least one node is buried where roots are expected to form. Place the potted cutting in a warm, humid environment. A greenhouse or a plastic bag can be used to maintain high humidity. Ensure the temperature stays around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Root development typically begins in a few weeks. Gradually acclimate the new plants to less humid conditions before transplanting them to their permanent location. Take cuttings during autumn and winter using the cutting method. The cooler temperatures and reduced light intensity reduce the stress on new cuttings, promoting better root development. Cuttings should be about 6-8 inches long, and each should have several sets of leaves. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Esenbeckia_berlandieri.html

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason