Bearss Lime Tree

Bearss is a Persian lime cultivar, not a lemon. The nearly thornless, spreading evergreen tree bears fragrant white flowers and seedless, acidic fruit; [UCR’s Citrus Variety Collection](https://citrusvariety.ucr.edu/crc3772) records the Bearss lime under *Citrus latifolia* and lists its fruit ripening in October through December at Riverside. ## Fruit and form The fruit has a thin, smooth rind and pale greenish-yellow flesh at maturity. [Jackson & Perkins’ Bearss cultivar profile](https://www.jacksonandperkins.com/bearss-lime/p/36493/) gives a typical garden height of 10–15 feet and width of 15–20 feet, and notes that pruning or container culture can keep a plant smaller. Its flowers are white and appear in early spring. ## Siting Provide full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. In cooler regions, grow it in a container where it can receive strong light and be moved under protection before frost. UCR describes Bearss as more cold-hardy than Mexican lime, but it remains a warm-climate citrus tree. ## Maintenance Keep watering regular while the tree establishes and during fruit growth, allowing excess water to drain. Prune selectively to maintain access and shape, and protect container plants from frost. Harvest mature fruit before it drops from the tree.