Trifoliate orange (karatachi) Citrus trifoliata
Trifoliate orange (karatachi) (Citrus trifoliata) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Rutaceae family, native to Central and northern China and Korea. It grows 2.5–5 m (8.2–16 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -23 °C (-9 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
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Trifoliate orange (karatachi) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Mature height | 2.5–5 m (8.2–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -23 °C (-9 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Central and northern China and Korea |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇹 Italy |
| Invasive in | south-eastern United States: check local rules before planting |
Is Trifoliate orange (karatachi) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: fruit, peel oils
The fuzzy fruit is too bitter and resinous to eat raw (sometimes made into marmalade); citrus oils are mildly toxic to pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Trifoliate orange (karatachi)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Sweet orange: Asian citrus psyllid spreads huanglongbing (citrus greening) between citrus and relatives such as orange jasmine (Murraya). Keep new citrus away from infected or neglected hosts. Evidence B
Questions about Trifoliate orange (karatachi)
- How far apart should I plant Trifoliate orange (karatachi)?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Trifoliate orange (karatachi) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Trifoliate orange (karatachi) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Trifoliate orange (karatachi)?
- It tolerates about -23 °C (-9 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Trifoliate orange (karatachi) flower?
- From about April for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Trifoliate orange (karatachi) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. The fuzzy fruit is too bitter and resinous to eat raw (sometimes made into marmalade); citrus oils are mildly toxic to pets.
- What grows well with Trifoliate orange (karatachi)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Trifoliate orange (karatachi). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora of China (eFloras), Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Green stems armed with long stout thorns make an impenetrable hedge; the hardiest citrus and the main rootstock for oranges and satsumas. Long known as Poncirus trifoliata.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon tree (dwarf) Citrus limon
- Curry tree Murraya koenigii
- Kaffir lime Citrus hystrix
- Common rue Ruta graveolens
- Sweet orange Citrus x sinensis
- Mandarin orange Citrus reticulata
- Persian lime Citrus x latifolia
- Key lime Citrus x aurantiifolia