Citrus limon
Citrus limon
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Pl. C346 — Citrus limon
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IOverview
Overview
Citrus limon, commonly known as the lemon tree, belongs to the Rutaceae family and is native to regions including Albania, Assam, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Borneo, and other areas across the globe. This evergreen tree thrives in full sun and moist soil of medium to heavy clay consistency, with a hardiness range from 8-11. Known for its edible fruit, which is widely used in culinary applications, lemon trees are also valued for their ornamental value due to their attractive foliage and fragrant flowers. One distinctive feature of the lemon tree is its ability to grow up to 3 meters in height, making it a recognizable addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Citrus limon?
Citrus limon, commonly known as the lemon tree, belongs to the Rutaceae family and is native to regions including Albania, Assam, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Borneo, and other areas across the globe.
What is Citrus limon used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Citrus limon
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Citrus limon appears in herbal sources around after-meal comfort traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Citrus limon support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Citrus limon thrives in full sun and requires moist, medium to heavy soil. It is hardy in zones 8-11, making it suitable for warmer climates. Propagation can be done through seeds or grafting. For optimal growth, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. The tree reaches a height of about 3 meters and produces edible fruit.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-11
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Citrus limon for the first time
8steps
Start with a potted lemon tree for easy care and manageable size.
- 1
What you'll need
A young lemon tree, well-draining potting mix, a large container with drainage holes.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when temperatures are consistently above 15°C (60°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a pot that is at least 30 cm (12 inches) wide, with fresh potting mix. Ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant your lemon tree from its nursery pot into the larger container, filling in around the roots with new soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Place the plant in a sunny spot and avoid direct sunlight for the first few days to prevent leaf burn.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage. Fertilize every two months with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune your lemon tree in late winter to encourage new growth and shape. Harvest fruit when it turns yellow and is firm.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, placing the plant in direct sunlight immediately after planting, not providing enough fertilizer.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Oil, Condiment
Other uses:CleanserEssential OiloilPolishFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across5 continents· 30 native
Europe1 region
native (1)Albania
Asia3 regions
native (3)BangladeshChinaIndia
Americas10 regions
native (10)BahamasBelizeColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEl SalvadorHaitiHondurasJamaica
Africa5 regions
native (5)BeninCabo VerdeChadGambiaGuinea-Bissau
Oceania1 region
native (1)Fiji
Broader regions
native:Bermuda, Borneo, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, East Himalaya, Florida, Galápagos, Gulf of Guinea Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
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