Lemon Tree

Lemon (Citrus limon) is an evergreen citrus grown for fragrant flowers and tart, aromatic fruit. Its fruit is used fresh, for juice, and for zest, while the glossy foliage remains on the tree year-round in warm climates. Mature size and fruiting vary with climate, rootstock, and pruning. ## Size and siting The [North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/citrus-x-limon/) lists a mature range of 10–20 feet high and 10–15 feet wide, full sun, and USDA Zones 9a–11b. These ranges describe the species and are not a cultivar-specific guarantee. In colder climates, grow lemon in a container that can be moved to a protected, bright location. ## Growing conditions Use well-drained soil and a sunny site protected from strong wind. Water deeply, then allow the surface soil to dry before watering again; avoid persistently soggy roots. Citrus can be damaged by frost, so protect plants during cold spells. [UC IPM](https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/cultural-tips-for-growing-citrus/) provides general guidance on citrus siting, watering, and cold protection. ## Maintenance Prune lightly to remove dead or crossing branches and maintain the desired shape. Remove shoots that emerge below the graft on grafted trees. Feed during active growth according to the fertilizer label, and adjust watering to weather and container size. ## New Zealand — FENZ Low/moderate flammability The [Fire and Emergency New Zealand directory](https://www.checkitsalright.nz/reduce-your-risk/low-flammability-plants) lists Citrus x limon / Lemon with Low/moderate flammability (main-directory entry 104). The source prints Citrus x limon while this record omits the hybrid sign. [Kew accepts Citrus × limon](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn%3Alsid%3Aipni.org%3Anames%3A60454758-2) as lemon; the name and lemon common-name context agree. No named lemon cultivar or rootstock is inferred. The directory includes all flammability bands; inclusion alone is not a planting recommendation. Higher bands mean more flammable and are separate from Idaho's numerical resistance scores. Source ratings remain conditional on plant condition, site and maintenance, with no guarantee of individual stock performance. Maintain appropriate spacing and water, remove dead material and follow local defensible-space guidance. No plant is fireproof; preserve other regional classifications separately.