What Is a Lemon Tree?
A member of the Rutaceae family, the lemon tree is grown worldwide for its delicate fragrance and versatile yellow fruit.Identification Lemon trees have thorny branches with oblong-shaped leaves that are reddish when young but mature to be dark green on top and lighter green underneath. Flower buds are red and open into pale white blossoms with purplish coloring underneath. The small flowers have four or five petals and may grow in clusters.SizeLemon trees grow between 10 and 20 feet tall. On average, the tree’s fruit measures between 2 and 5 inches long.GeographyIt’s believed lemon trees originated in India. Arizona, California and Florida are the leading lemon producers in the United States.Considerations Lemon trees can grow in both dry and humid climates, although they are particularly susceptible to cold temperatures and will perish below 29 degrees F. Lemon trees grow best in coastal regions with moderate climates between 55 and 70 degrees.UsesThe distinctive yellow fruit, known
A lemon tree may be either the fruiting tree Citrus limon, a tree that produces somewhat tart fruits widely used throughout the world as a food and flavoring, or it may refer to the tree Backhousia citriodora, also known as a lemon myrtle. Many people find a lemon tree to be an ideal tree for both indoor and outdoor growing, as it is relatively easy to grow in a range of climates, and produces a fruit that people find enjoyable. There are different sorts of lemon tree available, but they are all generally the same, and require the same growing conditions. The lemon tree was first cultivated thousands of years ago in China and Northern India. It made its way to Europe sometime during the 1st century, although it was not widely cultivated there for many centuries. In the 7th century the lemon tree made its way to Persia, and from there to the rest of the Middle East. By the 15th century it was in wide cultivation in Europe, and made its way to the New World with Christopher Columbus. Ove
