Key Lime Citrus x aurantiifolia
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- SI-trus aw-ran-tee-ih-FOL-lee-uh
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Key lime is a vigorous large shrub or small tree in the Rutaceae family that is best known for its green to yellow (when ripe) fruit that is very juicy and aromatic. It is native to the tropical regions of southeastern Asia, such as Malaysia and Indonesia but it has been carried and cultivated throughout the tropical regions of the world. It was cultivated commercially in the Florida Keys in the 19th century, hence its common name that is still used today although there is little key lime production remaining in Florida. Key lime has glossy elliptical to oblong evergreen leaves, similar to the leaves of the orange tree. Therefore, its name comes from the Latin noun aurantium, meaning "of orange" and folia which means "leaves."
Key lime should be planted in the warmest possible location in your landscape, protected from cold winds and in full sun, as it does not tolerate shade. It will not survive outdoors in the winter in colder climates and will struggle to produce fruit. The plant grows best in light to medium textured soils that are aerated and have good drainage. The plant will not do well in heavy clay soil or soils that drain poorly. The plant does not tolerate standing water or flooding. The plant prefers a pH range of 5 to 8 and is sensitive to high salinity. It is very drought tolerant once established. Do not overwater. Key lime should be fertilized sparingly. Pruning is only required to shape it, remove dead wood, limit plant size, or thin fruit. It can be grown as an espalier or as a hedge. There are several different methods for propagation including seeds, root cutting, grafting or layering.
All parts of the leaves and fruit are used for cosmetic, medicinal and edible uses. The flowers are showy and fragrant. The leaves are fragrant when crushed.
Plant outside in full sun for year-round enjoyment in tropical or subtropical climates or put in a planter for movement inside when the weather turns cold.
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Key lime is highly susceptible to lime anthracnose (also called withertip and blossom blight). Overwatering may cause fungal infections or root rot and the tree to decline in fruit bearing. Key lime trees in the home landscape are susceptible to trunk injury caused by lawn mowers and weed whackers.
The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common citrus insect and related pests.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Citrus
- Species:
- aurantifolia
- Family:
- Rutaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- In Persian culture it is dried and used in cooking. Leaves are used for headaches and colds. Oil from lime is used in soaps, gum, and sweets. Lime juice can be employed as an antioxidant when squeezed over fresh-cut fruit to prevent it from browning.
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Grafting
- Layering
- Root Cutting
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southeastern Asia
- Distribution:
- China, India, Egypt, Europe, the Americas including Mexico, Florida
- Play Value:
- Edible fruit
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Heat, sun, humidity and drought tolerant once established.
- Edibility:
- Fruit juice is edible and used in drinks, syrups, jams and jellies, and baking. It is used as a sauce over meat and fish, and also in marinades. Also used in sherbets, sorbets, ice creams, and the famous key lime pie.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 13 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 5 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Edible
- Houseplant
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Irregular
- Multi-trunked
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
- Appendage:
- Spines
- Thorns
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12-24 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Fragrant
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Spring
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Fruit Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Fruit Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Fruit Description:
- Spherical, green when unripe, yellow when ripe. Seedy, and has a thinner rind than persian lime.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Raceme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Spring
- Summer
- Winter
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- Showy 5 petaled white flowers, purple-tinged when new and pale pink or white when mature, appear in springtime and late summer in racemes composed of 1-7 flowers per raceme. They may be fragrant or unscented. The flowers have both male and female parts.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Purple/Lavender
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leathery
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Oblong
- Leaf Margin:
- Crenulate
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Has glossy elliptical to oblong evergreen leaves, similar to the leaves of the orange tree. The leaves have crenulated margins and are leathery in texture measuring between 1½ - 4 inches in length by ¾-2¾ inches wide. When young, its leaves are light purplish in color, maturing to dark green above and paler green beneath. The leaves are distinctively aromatic when crushed.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Dark Brown
- Surface/Attachment:
- Smooth
- Bark Description:
- Has smooth, dark brown bark
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- New year's growth is green in color.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Lawn
- Patio
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Edible Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Flowering Tree
- Hedge
- Small Tree
- Attracts:
- Small Mammals
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Heavy Shade
- Wet Soil
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
- Spines/Thorns