Invasive Species: Poncirus trifoliata, Trifoliate Orange
Trifoliate orange is an invasive deciduous shrub or small tree that grows from 8 to 30 ft (2.4 to 9.1 m) in height. The leaves are alternate, compound (trifoliate), and up to 2 in. (5.1 cm) long and have winged petioles. The twigs are green with stout thorns that are 1 in. (2.5 cm) long. The bark is conspicuously green striped. Spring flowers are white, five-petaled, 1 to 2 in. (2.5 to 5.1 cm) in diameter, and showy. Fruit is a dull yellow, sticky orange (berry) that is 1.5 to 2 in. (3.8 to 5.1 cm) in diameter. Trifoliate orange invades woodlands, forest edges, fencerows, and urban green spaces.
What are invasive species, and why should we be concerned about them?
Taxonomy: Scientific and Common Names for This Species
Sapindales > Rutaceae > Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.
Synonym(s): hardy orange
Poncirus trifoliata – USDA PLANTS Profile
Distribution Maps
trifoliate orange – The reported distribution of this invasive species across the United States (Source: Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States)
Up-to-the-minute distribution maps and why they are important
Reporting This Invasive Species
What is the best way to report the occurrence of an invasive species?
How to report an invasive species sighting to EDDMapS – Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System
EDDMapS – Report an invasive species to EDDMapS.
County Extension Offices – Find your county Extension office on this map provided by USDA.
How to Identify
This invasive species can be identified by looking for the characteristics described in the paragraphs that follow.
Shrub
Trifoliate orange is a shrub or small tree that grows from 8 to 30 ft (2.4 to 9.1 m) in height. The twigs are green with stout thorns that are 1 in. (2.5 cm) long. The bark is conspicuously green striped.
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| James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, bugwood.org | Steve Manning, Invasive Plant Control, bugwood.org |
Foliage
The leaves are alternate, compound (trifoliate), and up to 2 in. (5.1 cm) long and have winged petioles.
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| James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, bugwood.org | James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, bugwood.org |
Flower
Spring flowers are white, five-petaled, 1 to 2 in. (2.5 to 5.1 cm) in diameter, and showy.
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| James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, bugwood.org | James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, bugwood.org |
Fruit
Fruit is a dull yellow, sticky orange (berry) that is 1.5 to 2 in. (3.8 to 5.1 cm) in diameter.
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| James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, bugwood.org | James Johnson, Georgia Forestry Commission, bugwood.org |
Native Species That Resemble Trifoliate Orange
– Images at invasive.org
| bugwood.org | bugwood.org |
– Images at invasive.org
| bugwood.org | bugwood.org |
Additional Images for Trifoliate Orange
trifoliate orange – Images at invasive.org
Learning Resources for Trifoliate Orange
Additional Information, Biology, Control and Management Resources
Control and management recommendations vary according to individual circumstances. Location, habitat, weather, and a variety of other conditions are factors that help determine the best treatment choice. To find the safest and most effective treatment for your situation, consult your state’s land-grant institution. If you will use chemicals as part of the control program, always refer to the product label.
United States Land-Grant University System – Find your Land-Grant University’s College of Agriculture, University Cooperative Extension Service, or other related partner on this map provided by USDA.
Invasives Database – TexasInvasives.org
Invader of the Month: Archived Invaders – Invasive Species of Concern in Maryland
A Field Guide for the Identification of Invasive Plants in Southern Forests – USDA Forest Service
A Management Guide for Invasive Plants of Southern Forests – USDA Forest Service