lemon
Citrus ×limon (L.) Osbeck
Lemon brings reddish young growth and an oil-gland-dotted rind to an open, spreading tree. UF IFAS describes plants reaching ten to twenty feet tall. Different cultivated selections vary in vigour, thorniness and fruit quality. Its flowers may be solitary or clustered in leaf axils, with four or five petals and numerous stamens. UF IFAS: Lemon Growing in Florida
Botanical name
The lemon is the accepted hybrid Citrus ×limon (L.) Osbeck. The stored Burm. f. author form is a historical nomenclatural usage of this same crop. Kew POWO: Citrus ×limonUCR Citrus Collection: lemon nomenclature notes
Recognizing the plant
Elliptic leaves turn green as they mature, and reddish flower buds open into flowers that are white above and purple-tinged beneath. Fruits usually develop an apical nipple and contain segmented, juicy, acidic flesh. Temperature influences their shape: Florida’s summer and autumn fruits tend to be rounder, while winter and early-spring fruits are more oval. UF IFAS: Lemon Growing in Florida
Bloom window
Subtropical Florida
In subtropical Florida, UF IFAS records flowering from late December into March, with possible additional blooms in June and November. A fruit may take several months to mature after flowering. UF IFAS: Lemon Growing in Florida
Native range
Lemon is a cultigen with hybrid ancestry. Kew records it as introduced across numerous warm regions, including the Mediterranean, tropical America and parts of Asia. Its global orchard distribution reflects the movement and cultivation of a fruit crop. Kew POWO: Citrus ×limon
Botanical sources
- Kew POWO: Citrus ×limon
- UF IFAS: Lemon Growing in Florida
- UCR Citrus Collection: lemon nomenclature notes
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.