Yuzu Citrus junos
Yuzu (Citrus junos) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Rutaceae family, native to Upper Yangtze region of China; widely grown in Japan and Korea. It grows 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) tall and 2–3.5 m (6.6–11 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 3.5 m (11 ft) apart.
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Yuzu at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Mature height | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–3.5 m (6.6–11 ft) |
| Spacing | 3.5 m (11 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: zest, juice, peel |
| Native to | Upper Yangtze region of China; widely grown in Japan and Korea |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China |
Is Yuzu toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, peel, seeds
Essential oils and psoralens in the peel, leaves and seeds can cause vomiting, drooling or depression in pets; the flesh is safe for people.
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 Yuzu
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
Shared pests and diseases
- Citrus greening (HLB): Spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, which also breeds on curry leaf (Murraya). Evidence B
- Xylella fastidiosa: Insect-spread bacterium (EU quarantine pest) hitting olive, lavender, rosemary, oleander, Prunus and citrus. Evidence B
Questions about Yuzu
- How far apart should I plant Yuzu?
- About 3.5 m (11 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–3.5 m (6.6–11 ft).
- Does Yuzu need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Yuzu need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Yuzu?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Yuzu flower?
- From about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Yuzu poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Essential oils and psoralens in the peel, leaves and seeds can cause vomiting, drooling or depression in pets; the flesh is safe for people.
- What grows well with Yuzu?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Yuzu. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- One of the hardiest citrus (about −10 °C when established). Thorny; slow to fruit from seed, grafted trees fruit in 3–5 years.
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