Ponderosa Lemon

Ponderosa is a named lemon selection grown for unusually large, thick-rinded fruit and as an ornamental citrus tree. [UCR’s Citrus Variety Collection](https://citrusvariety.ucr.edu/crc294) describes the plant as thorny and cold-sensitive, with purple-tinged flowers and new growth and fruit that can mature throughout the year. ## Fruit and flowering The fruit has a thick, bumpy rind and can be used as a lemon substitute. The tree is small and round-topped in the historical cultivar description. [Chicago Botanic Garden](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/citrus-x-ponderosa-ponderosa-lemon) records full sun, moist soil, white flowers in May and June, and USDA hardiness zones 9–11. ## Siting Choose a warm, sunny location with room for thorny branches. In colder climates, container culture makes it possible to move the tree into protection. Keep the soil moist but well-drained, especially during active growth and flowering. ## Maintenance Protect the tree from frost and avoid planting it where thorny branches will crowd a path. Prune only as needed to remove dead or crossing growth, using care around the spines. Check fruit regularly because flowering and fruit maturation can overlap.