http://www.backyardgardener.com/plantname/pda_3054.html

http://www.sunnygardens.com/garden_plants/poncirus/poncirus_2353.php

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/p lant-finder/plant-details/kc/e790/poncirus-trifoliata.aspx

http://www.yale.edu/marshgardens/documents/070505.pdf

Posted by elder 6VA (My Page) on Fri, Sep 24, 04 at 21:49

Just have to get into the fray - P trifoliata originated in China, and was once grown in northern Europe where the rind from the fruit was candied and dried. This being the case assume it is very cold hardy. The colonists in America also grew P trifoliata as the fruit has a natural pectin which was used in making jellies, etc. In what form, and by what process I don't really know. There are actually old 'trees' growing in old town Alexandria, VA.
I have quite a stand of them (in northern VA), but have never tried eating or drinking any of their products. My trees reach a height of ten to twelve ft. They bloom early spring (the flowers on my trees being somewhat inconspicuous), have a strong scent and are used heavily by bees. Young plants are used in the citrus trade as rootstock for a variety of smaller citrus. Birds love making their nests in them, I have had as many as three nests in one tree the same spring: mockingbird, dove, and U/I. The thorns WILL puncture pneumatic tires, and the wood is extremely hard and heavy, but too small to be of much value. I would suggest that several trees planted under windows and pruned to a reasonable height would stop intruders quite readily. I have no doubt that they would serve well as a hedge plant if you are interested in keeping in any sort of large livestock......Elder