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Key limes are small citrus trees with highly fragrant white blossoms. They produce many delightful fruits which are excellent for cooking. In this region, they are best grown in pots so that they can be moved in and out as the temperatures dictate.

Latin Name

Citrus x aurantiifolia


Family

Rutaceae


Also Known As

Bartender's Lime


Type of Plant

Fruits Fruits
Tropical Tropical

Seasons

Summer Summer

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 12'
Max spread Max Spread: 8'

Uses

  • Edible
  • Flowering Tree
  • Ornamental

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun

    Colors


    Native Range

    Southeast Asia


    History

    During his 1797 visit to Mount Vernon, Amariah Frost observed the curiosities of figs, raisins, limes, and oranges.


    Other Details

    Pollinator Pollinator
    Grown by Washington Grown by Washington

    Planted at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon Upper Garden

  • Upper Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    10a 10b USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend 10a 10b

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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