- Citrus. Some of the most common fruit trees with thorns include lemons, limes and oranges. Even the varieties bred specifically for container culture have thorns.
- Honey Locust. The common honey locust, which is easily propagated by seed, is quite thorny. The thorns of this plant can cause numerous problems if grown in the landscape.
- Wild Apple. Modern apple trees that have been hybridized for use in the landscape or in orchards do not have thorns.
Which citrus trees have thorns?
Some of the most common citrus trees that sport thorns are Meyer lemon, most grapefruits, and key limes….Citrus fruits fall into several categories such as: Mandarins. Pomelos. Grapefruit. Lemons. Limes.
Why do citrus trees have thorns?
The presence of thorns on citrus trees has evolved for exactly the same reason that animals such as hedgehogs and porcupines sport prickly hides– protection from predators, specifically, hungry animals that want to nibble away at the tender leaves and fruit. Vegetation is most delicate when the tree is young.
What kind of plum tree has thorns?
What trees in Texas have thorns?
- Thorny Trunks. Honey locusts (Gleditsia triacanthos) are found mainly in eastern portions of Texas.
- Fruit Producers. Saffron plum trees (Bumelia celastrina), also called La Coma trees, are native Texas.
- Pod Producers. Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) is a Texas native, found throughout the state.
What do citrus trees have thorns?
What citrus tree has thorns? Some of the most common citrus trees that sport thorns are Meyer lemon, most grapefruits and key limes. Thorns on citrus trees develop at the nodes, often sprouting on new grafts and fruiting wood.
What trees have thorns and fruit?
Many lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit trees are basically fruit trees with thorns. These attractive trees all feature thorns along their trunks, branches and twigs. Some are quite frost- and heat-hardy, while others do not tolerate non-tropical climates.
What kind of citrus tree have thorns?
Common citrus trees with thorns include lemon trees, limes, some orange trees, pomelo, tangelo, and grapefruit. The thorns are not poisonous and should not be removed except if they impede the harvesting of fruits. The thorns protect the plant from herbivores and store water for use during drought.
What plum trees have thorns?
Chickasaw plums form a rounded mass of slender, thorny branches around a short trunk. They can grow up to 25 feet tall, but are more often found in the 6- to 12-foot range. Chickasaw plum is native to Florida and a number of other states and is hardy to USDA zones 5-9.
What pear trees have thorns?
Callery pears are an aggressive invasive species. The stems and branches possess thorns (sometimes up to 3” long!), they can spread by seed or through root sprouts, and they can quickly take over a roadside, old field, pasture, vacant lot, or forest understory.
Which fruit has thorns outside?
The Rambutan, a plant of the Sapindaceae family, is a close relative to the Lychee, Longan and Pulasan.
Which orange tree has thorns?
Trifoliate OrangeTrifoliate Orange or Hardy Orange is a deciduous thorny shrub or small tree that prefers well drained, acidic soil in a sunny location and grows up to nearly 20' tall. This plant blooms in mid-spring and fruit ripens in early fall. Spines are sharp and numerous and are not for high traffic areas.
Does an apricot tree have thorns?
Tropical apricot is a large shrub growing to more than 25 feet tall with a width that matches its height. Its long branches are covered with 2–4-inch, deep green leaves and often with thorns.
Do apple trees thorns?
Wild Apple Modern apple trees that have been hybridized for use in the landscape or in orchards do not have thorns. To see apple fruit trees with thorns, it is necessary to look in the wild. Older apple trees growing in forests or other protected areas are likely to have thorns.
Does a cherry plum have thorns?
Unlike many of their plum tree cousins, cherry trees do not usually have thorns. One cherry species, however, does have small thorns. The Black Cherry, or Prunus serotina, features thorns along its branches, according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension.
Do persimmon trees have thorns?
These thorns are up to 7 inches long and regularly fall to the ground. My siblings and I grew up to be cautious people who never run around barefoot in unknown territory. Back to the persimmons. This morning I went prepared to collect fruit.
What berries have thorns?
Raspberries, black raspberries, and blackberries grow on arching stems called canes. Blackberry canes are thick and angled, with intimidating thorns. Raspberry stems are round with smaller (but no less effective) prickles.
Do all pears have thorns?
Yes nearly all wild pears and rootstocks are thorny.
What fruit trees have thorns?
Some of the most common fruit trees with thorns include lemons, limes and oranges. Even the varieties bred specifically for container culture have thorns. The thorns on these trees may or may not be noticeable, so when working around citrus trees, keep this mind so you do not accidently cut or prick your finger on them.
Where is the edible fruit found?
The edible fruit, which is found inside the seed pod, was once used as a sweetener. The use of the honey locust fruit as a sweetener is not as popular today as it once was, so for the most part, the fruit is left on the trees where it is enjoyed by deer and small mammals.
Do apple trees have thorns?
Modern apple trees that have been hybridized for use in the landscape or in orchards do not have thorns. To see apple fruit trees with thorns, it is necessary to look in the wild. Older apple trees growing in forests or other protected areas are likely to have thorns. Apples are a popular fruit and you may be tempted to start some from seed.
Can apples be grown from seed?
Apples grown from seed will not produce the same type of fruit that you ate. In fact, the fruit the tree produces may be inedible, not to mention you run the risk of growing a tree that may have thorns on it. The common honey locust, which is easily propagated by seed, is quite thorny.
Is a Tamarins thorny?
tamarins avec et sans coques image by Unclesam from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>. The common honey locust, which is easily propagated by seed, is quite thorny. The thorns of this plant can cause numerous problems if grown in the landscape.
Is flying dragon orange tree hardy?
Some varieties contain very few thorns, while others such as Poncirus trifoliata, 'Flying Dragon,' an orange tree hardy to USDA zone 5, is loaded with them. This particular variety, although older, is still available for purchase. It’s most common use, however, is as rootstock for other types of dwarf citrus.
Can you cut a thorn on a citrus tree?
There are many common fruit trees with thorns. The thorns on these trees may or may not be noticeable, so when working around citrus trees, keep this mind so you do not accidently cut or prick your finger on them.
What is a hawthorn tree?
The hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) is a small, bushy tree that produces a bright red berry-type fruit in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9. Despite the long, sharp thorns on its branches, this plant is often used as a garden ornamental due to its lush foliage. Its fruit, known as haws, is more popular with animals than humans as a food source; however, it is commonly used in teas and jams.
What are the different types of citrus trees?
Lemon trees (Citrus limon) and lime trees (Citrus aurantifolia), which tend to grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11, have sharp thorns on their twigs. The Lisbon (Citrus x limon) is a particularly thorny and vigorous variety of lemon tree commonly grown in zones favorable to citrus cultivation. Easy to maintain and resistant to heat and frost, it has dense, spreading foliage that produces fruit year round. Mexican lime, also known as key lime, is a thorny shrub-like, tree with fragrant flowers and small, greenish-yellow fruit that reaches maturity in the fall and winter. Thornless varieties are available, but they typically produce less fruit. Selections of grapefruit and orange trees also produce foliage with thorns.
What is a pomegranate tree?
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), though not commonly thought of as such, is a berry plant, and it produces thorns. The pomegranate tree grows in USDA plant hardiness zones 7b through 10 as a small, long-lived tree or bush with moderately thorny branches and red-orange blossoms. The fruit may be yellowish-brown or purplish red when ripe, depending on the cultivar, and contain many edible bright pink or red seeds.
What is a prickly pear?
Prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa) has pads bearing sharp spines that are not technically thorns but stems. Sometimes referred to as nopales, prickly pears are also covered in tufts of short, hair-like spines. Its edible fruit is commonly used in the Southwest and Mexico for making jams and candy. It also may be eaten peeled and sliced with a squeeze of lemon. Prickly pears are easy to grow in dry, sandy soil that requires little water or nutrients, in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 10.
What is the name of the plant that has thorns?
Rose are one of the most common plants featuring thorns or prickles, and fruit, called rose hips. In addition to the fragrant flowers for which roses are famous, hips are produced on most varieties after flowering if left unpruned. The oil of rose hip seeds is high in vitamin C and antioxidants. As such, it has become a common ingredient in many skin cosmetics.
Why do plants have thorns?
Thorns, spines or prickles are an evolutionary adaptive mechanism developed by plants to defend their fruits from grazing animals, ensuring reproduction and survival. Many of these are suitable for the home landscape as ornamentals and as edible, fruit-producing plants.
What are some examples of fruiting vines?
Thorny Vines. Blackberry and prickly gooseberry are two examples of fruiting vines that exhibit thorns. Both plants are native to North America and are adaptable to a wide range of soil types and growing conditions, given that they receive at least six hours of sun daily. The fruits of each can be eaten fresh when ripe.
What zone is orange tree?
The hardy orange tree (Poncirus trifoliata) can be grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. It features fragrant spring flowers, edible fruit and a multitude of wicked 3-inch thorns when mature, making it a good choice as a safety hedge.
Where do quince trees grow?
Flowering quince trees and wild apple tree varieties feature intimidating thorns and delicious fruit. Flowering quince trees are native to Asia and cousins to orchard varieties and feature fragrant flowers in spring. Orchard cultivars produce sweet fruit appropriate for eating fresh, preserved or candied.
Where do prickly pear cactus grow?
The prickly pear cactus, also called Indian fig and beaver tail cactus, is native to the southwestern United States and Central America. Many varieties are suitable for growing in the home garden. Some are not freeze-tolerant, however, so choose carefully if winter freezes are common in your area. They feature large, showy flowers in differing colors and succulent, edible fruits.
What is the best fruit to eat in an orchard?
Orchard cultivars produce sweet fruit appropriate for eating fresh, preserved or candied. Wild apples are an important food source for wildlife and are also suitable for human consumption. Wild apple trees also feature a gorgeous display of spring blooms.
What are thorny trees used for?
Some are landscaping trees, often used to create hedgerows and barriers. Factor in the amount of traffic in an area before planting one of these thorny trees where people may tangle with them frequently. Advertisement.
How tall do hawthorns grow?
This is a flowering tree growing to between 25 and 35 feet high, generating clusters of white flowers during May. Its thorns reach lengths as long as inches. Washington hawthorn Crataegus phaenopyrum) is another zone 3 species of hawthorn with thorns and spring flowers.
What is the best tree to grow in Zone 7?
USDA Zone 7. The thorns on the American plum (Prunus americana), a tree appropriate for zone 7, grow to between 2 and 3 inches. The flowers emerge before the leaves do on a plum, giving the landscape some white color in March and early April. Other trees owning thorns in zone 7 include the Washington hawthorn; black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia);
What is the USDA Zone 9 tree?
USDA Zone 9. The jujube tree (Ziziphus jujuba) grows into zone 9, a native of China that produces edible fruits with a taste similar to dates. The leaves of this tree are shiny green, armed with a pair of spines. Sharp thorns guard the branches of the chittamwood (Bumelia lanuginosa), a tree native to the Southeast and suitable to line property ...
Why is the Greyhound tree ornamental?
It has ornamental value because of its fissured trunk and bright green foliage. John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years.
Is an orange tree a citrus tree?
An Osage orange tree (Maclura pomifera) is not actually a citrus tree, but rather a tree with so many spines; it served effectively as a fence before barbed wire came along to replace it. Farmers and ranchers planted it in rows, knowing its long spines would discourage animals and people from trying to get by it.
Can hawthorns survive in zone 5?
English hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) and green hawthorn (Crataegus viridis) are not quite as amenable to the cold as the thorny cockspur variety (Crataegus crus-galli inermis), but zone 5 winters are suitable for their survival. Green hawthorn comes in a cultivar known as Winter King (Crataegus viridis "Winter King"), ...
What citrus trees have thorns?
Many varieties of citrus trees have thorns.
Are citrus thorns poisonous?
Citrus thorns don’t contain any toxic compounds and, therefore, aren’t poisonous. However, they can still puncture your skin and cause medical emergencies. Citrus trees that have thorns that don’t diminish even after the tree matures can make it difficult to harvest the fruits from the trees.
Should you remove thorns on citrus trees?
You don’t have to remove thorns on citrus trees as they aren’t poisonous and don’t pose any significant risks. And contrary to common belief, citrus thorns don’t cause lower fruit yields. For most varieties of limes and citrus, the thorns will naturally dwindle as the plant matures.
List of thornless citrus trees
Take note that it’s rare to find a citrus tree that’s truly thorn-free. Thus, the term ‘thornless in this article is used to refer to citrus trees that have significantly fewer spikes than normal.
christine41 Member
This one is a real stumper for me. This tree is located within a small park where the NC State Fair is held each year. I noticed it last year, and since then I have been trying to identify it, to no avail. This year, I took pictures, and have a fruit at home that I can open up and photograph if it will help.
Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years
With the contorted branching it might be the cultivar 'Flying Dragon' or a another form that shares this characteristic.
chaojun Active Member
芸香科 (Rutaceae)、柑橘亚科 (Aurantioideae)、柑橘族 (Citrea)、柑橘亚族 (Citrinae)中典型柑果的一组植物。共6个属，即金柑属 (Fortunella)、澳沙檬属 (Eremocitrus)、枳属 (Poncirus)、多蕊橘属 (clymenia)、澳橘檬属 (Microcitrus)和柑橘属 (Citrus)。
jharrison Member
I spent a few years in China working and while there I came across similar trees which the Chinese plant for their strong fragrance. I never observed any of them use the fruit for any purpose.
wkendrick Member
Hi Christine, I believe the tree bears small fragrant orange type fruit, not eatable. I do not know the name, but the fruit is very fragrant in the fall once it turns more orange/yellow. Some people in the old south use to put it in their dresser drawers for the sweet fragrant and it would dry and retain the fragrance for weeks.
wkendrick Member
Not a flowering quince. I have had quinces in my years for years in my yard. I was replying to the person Christine that had the orange looking thorny bush. It has green limbs with long thorns and a orange like fruit. They are fragrant in the fall and were used by older southerners to provide a good aroma in their chests and drawers.
sandy150 Member
Christine 41 your thorny poncirus triloba is one of the 6 foot specimans at Ralston Arboreteum near the NC fairgrounds. This may be the smaill garden you spoke of. Their visitors lobby has thorny dried branches displayed on shelves. The Arboreteum is open year round and the winter garden is neat in snow also.
What Are Thorny Bushes
Thorny bushes are prickly or spiky plants that make ideal privacy hedges or living screens. Growing thorny plants as a yard barrier can deter humans or animals from entering your property. In addition, many ornamental shrubs have long, sharp spines—so they are visually appealing and provide a practical security solution.
Why Plant Thorny Bushes as Defensive Plants
Tall spiky plants around your yard’s perimeter are the ultimate deterrent. Not only do spiky security plants deter would-be burglars, but they also keep out unwanted wildlife. For example, it’s not always practical to erect tall fences to deer-proof your garden. Or other plant-eating pests such as rabbits get through small gaps in walls and fences.
Where to Grow Prickly Plants and Thorny Shrubs
Growing prickly shrubs and thorny plants requires some thought as to where to plant them. It is best to leave some space between the spiked bushes and pathways or around your lawn. After all, you don’t want kids or pets to injure themselves on sharp, vicious shrub spines.
Other Benefits of Thorny Bushes in Your Garden
Planting thorny perimeter hedges along fences, walls, and your property have more benefits than just a defensive mechanism. A spiky living hedge is easier to maintain than repairing a damaged fence. Apart from pruning once a year, a low-maintenance thorn bush needs little care to grow well.
How to Handle Thorny Shrubs and Spiky Plants
Growing spiky shrubs and thorny plants in your garden requires great care. Prickly bushes can have long, stiff, sharp, vicious-looking spines that can puncture the skin. Also, some defensive plants have irritants in their thorns. So, it’s always wise to use protective gear when handling a thorn bush.
How to Identify Bushes with Thorns
Thorny growth on shrubs can help identify the species of ornamental plants. Shrub identification is often done by looking to see if the plant has thorns or spines on the stem.
Types of Thorny Bushes (With Pictures)
Let’s look in more detail at the different types of thorn bushes you can grow as security bushes or defensive plants.
