Poncirus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon'
(Bitter Orange, Japanese Hardy Orange)

Family:  Rutaceae
Light:  Sun-part shade
Height:  4-6'
Spacing:  15"
Blooms:  Fragrant, white, large, mid-Spring
Foliage:  Deciduous, green on deep green stems
Fruits:  Yellow, fuzzy, bitter, round, golf-ball size, with lots of seeds, Fall
Soil:  Well-drained, acidic, neutral, drought tolerant
Water:  Regular-low
Uses:  Ornamental, property barrier, hedge, Summer/Fall/Winter interests, bonsai, container
Propagation:  Seeds
Caution:  Plant is spiny - wear gloves when handling

Comments:  Poncirus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon' or Bitter Orange or Japanese Hardy Orange is a hardy ornamental citrus tree with a thorny, contorted growth habit.  In mid-Spring, it bears fragrant large, white blossoms, followed later by round fuzzy, golf-ball size yellow fruits in Fall and the fruits look ornae as they continue to hang on to bare branches in Winter.  The fruits taste bitter but can be made into a delicous juice, sweetened to taste.  Poncirus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon' has long, curved, vicious spines.  Grow it  away from children or foot traffic.  Bitter Orange can also be container grown, however the height would be lower.  Japanese Hardy Orange makes a superb hedge; it dares any intruder to penetrate.  It is superb as a bonsai.  Poncirus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon'  is popular used as a rootstock for various types of citrus plants.  Its incredible weird appearance draws curious looks from foot traffic.

USDA Zones:  6-10