Identifying a lemon tree from a lime tree is an essential part of gardening. By understanding the distinct differences between the two trees, you can determine which you are trying to cultivate.Here are some simple tips on how to differentiate between a lemon and lime tree.
Look at the Color of the Fruit
The most obvious way to tell a lemon tree from a lime tree is by looking at the color of their corresponding fruit. Lemons tend to be bright yellow while limes are typically a darker shade of green. In addition, lemons are more oval-shaped whereas limes, generally, are more round.
Observe the Tree’s Leaves
The size, shape and color of the leaves of the two trees can also help distinguish between them. Lemon tree leaves are typically more narrow, toothed and have a lighter green hue. Lime leaves, on the other hand, tend to be more broad, entire, and a darker green.
Compare the Sizes of the Trees
Another way to tell lemon and lime trees apart is by comparing their sizes. The lemon tree will usually exceed the height of the lime tree as it has a much larger canopy. In addition, the size of the fruit produced is larger in the lemon tree.
Check the Taste
Of course, the most definitive way to tell lemon from lime is to taste the fruit itself. Lemons have a sour, citrusy flavor while limes have a sweeter, tarter taste. Lemon juice is also always intensely sour while lime juice can range from slightly sweet to very tart.
Look for Disease
If you can’t tell the difference between a lemon and lime tree simply by looking at them then your best bet is to look out for any signs of disease. Lemons are more susceptible to specific diseases such as citrus scab, citrus greening, and citrus canker, so you can use these to identify if your tree is a lemon or a lime.
Check the Trunk
The trunk of the tree can also be used to distinguish between a lemon and a lime tree. Lemon trunks have no thorns and tend to be thicker than lime tree trunks which usually have thorns. Moreover, lemon trunks are usually smooth and lighter in color while lime trunks tend to be rough and darker in color.
Identifying the Flower
Identifying the flower of the tree is another way of telling a lemon tree from a lime tree apart. Lemon flowers are white or pale pink with darker pink veins while lime flowers are typically white, yellow or even a pale green color.
Comparing the Bloom Time
The bloom time of the tree is yet another attribute to help tell a lemon from a lime tree. Lemon trees bloom mainly in the spring season whereas limes are an evergreen tree and produce flowers throughout the year.
Analyzing the Thorns
The thorns of of the tree are an important indicator for identifying the different types of trees. Lemon trees have no thorns whereas lime threes typically have thorns that point backward and have gray color.
Examining the Growth Patterns
The growth patterns of the two trees can be another way to tell them apart. Lemons generally have a dense canopy and they tend to grow wider rather than taller while lime trees have a more upright and airy tree structure.
Checking the Bark Color
The bark color is usually the last, but definitely the least known, attribute to consider when trying to tell a lemon tree from a lime tree. The bark color of the lemon tree is gray and tends to crack over time whereas the lime tree’s bark is white and more smooth.
