Are Hardy Orange Thorns Dangerous?

Thorn Dangers

• Each spine is triangular at its cross section, like the stems, and broader at the base than at the sharp tip. It is very hard to grasp or hold the stems for pruning or other chores without being impaled by the spines. Hardy orange is dangerous if grown in shrub form and planted near high-traffic areas. It would be especially dangerous in residential settings where children and pets might congregate. When the shrubs are leafed out, the spines can be hard to see, increasing the chances of injury.

Description

• The thorns are the most notable features of hardy orange and detract from its ornamental value for many gardeners. The shrubs or trees can grow from 8 to 20 feet tall, with a spread of 6 to 15 feet. Fragrant white flowers with five petals apiece appear in mid spring, followed by numerous yellow fruits, which are downy and about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. The glossy leaves grow in clusters of three. In fall, the leaves turn yellow. The fruit persists on the plants through the winter.

Uses

• Dr. Michael Dirr, professor emeritus at the University of Georgia, notes that the thorns make hardy orange highly desirable for an impenetrable privacy hedge, and their dense growth allows them to be tightly pruned or clipped. Unless using hardy orange as a hedge, it is probably safer to grow it in tree form. The plant is also suitable for wildlife gardens. Birds and animals are attracted to the fruits, which, though sour, are also edible for humans. One variety, "Flying Dragon" (Poncirus trifoliata "Flying Dragon") features twisted stems and spines and can be grown as a landscape accent plant.

Culture

• Hardy orange has been reported as invasive in parts of the Southeast and eastern Texas, so it should not be used in those areas. Elsewhere, within the hardiness range, site plants in full sun in well-drained soil. Amend clay soils with organic material. Wear stout gloves when pruning plants used for hedging. Pruning of hedging specimens should be done right after flowering. In tree-form, such pruning will limit fruit production. If fruit is desirable, restrict pruning to light shaping of the plant.