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how do you tell the difference between a lemon and a lime tree

by Kamille Beatty Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Expert Response

  • Examine the size of the tree. Generally, lime trees are smaller than lemon trees. ...
  • Look at the leaves. When the flowers are in bloom, the flowers of a lemon tree will have purple blush, while the flowers of a lime tree have white blush. ...
  • Smell a leaf. When torn, lemon leafs have a mild scent. ...
  • Smell a sample of the tree bark. ...

The most apparent visual feature to differentiate between lemon and lime is the shape of their leaves. Lemon leaves are typically longer and oval-shaped, kind of how lemon fruits are more elliptical than limes. Leaves from lemon trees can grow up to about 5 inches, while lime leaves barely reach 2 inches.Mar 3, 2021

Full Answer

How is a lemon tree different from a lime tree?

Summary:

  1. To differentiate between these two trees, a person may take a look at the size of a tree. ...
  2. A lime tree is, in general, more slender and shorter.
  3. The leaves of lime trees are shorter and rounded and typically three to four inches long. ...
  4. A lime leaf has a bold smell of lime while a lemon leaf has a very gentle, citrus scent.

More items...

Can a lime tree turn into a lemon tree?

Limes do not turn into lemons. It also doesn’t work the opposite way – if you pick an unripe lemon, you won’t be holding a lime in your hands. So, Why Are Some Limes Yellow?

How to select a lemon tree?

Select a well-draining pot that is 25% bigger than the lemon-tree bulb. The bulb consists of the roots and the clumped dirt that is attached to them. If you buy your tree from a nursery, it may already be in an appropriately sized container—just ask the sales associate to make sure.

Do lemon trees like sun or shade?

Lemon trees do need shade! But not too much as sunlight is still very important for lemon trees to grow. In some cases, shade can save your lemon trees from extreme conditions. Also, lemon trees tend to be more tolerant towards more shade than other citrus trees.

How to tell the difference between a lemon tree and a lime tree?

How to tell if a tree is lime or lemon?

How to tell if a citrus tree is ripe?

What is the difference between lemon and lime?

What does a lemon tree smell like?

How tall can a lemon tree grow?

Do lemon trees and lime trees look alike?

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How do I identify a lime tree?

0:253:18How To Identify Lime Leaves (Wild Food & Foraging) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd on all three of the limes the leaves are edible to identify a lime tree what you're looking forMoreAnd on all three of the limes the leaves are edible to identify a lime tree what you're looking for is a tree which often has an upswept character to all its branches. And there's no blossom or

Do lemon or lime trees have thorns?

Most true lemons have sharp thorns lining the twigs, although some hybrids are almost thorn-less, such as “Eureka.” The second most popular citrus fruit, the lime, also has thorns. Thorn-less cultivars are available, but supposedly lack flavor, are less productive, and are thus less desirable.

Do lemons start as limes?

Lemons turn from green to yellow as the chlorophyll in the rind is replaced with anthocyanin as they ripen. Limes will turn a yellow color too when they are fully ripened, but they are often picked when under-ripe and green....What are the nutritional profiles?Lemon (1 fruit ~ 108g)Lime (1 fruit ~ 67g)Protein1.3g0.5g5 more rows

What does a lemon tree looks like?

Identifying Lemon Trees Lemon trees, most easily identifiable by their fruit, grow to 10 to 20 feet in height, depending on the variety. The evergreens have upright, spreading branches, thorns and a less dense crown than other citrus. Oval, serrated lemon tree leaves are between 2 1/2 and 4 1/2 inches long.

Why does my lemon tree not bear fruit?

Some reasons for this would be incorrect cultivation, lack of nutrients, insufficient water and bad rootstock. If the plant does bloom but still fails to fruit, this might be because the tree is not old enough. Lemon tree fruiting occurs at three to five years old, depending upon the rootstock.

Are limes just baby lemons?

Limes are picked when they are fully grown, but still green and unripe. If Limes are allowed to fully ripen on the tree, they actually turn from green to yellow. Because of this, some people believe (erroneously) that Limes are just unripe Lemons. Whereas, truth to tell, even the Lemons that we buy are unripe Lemons.

Can limes look like lemons?

Sweet limes might be mistaken for lemons since they are yellow when ripe and ready to use. They have less acid than Tahitian or Key. They are popular in India, Vietnam, Egypt, and along the Mediterranean coast. Limes are yellow when they are fully ripe and develop sugars that make them delicious at this stage.

Which is healthier lemon or lime?

0:000:51Lemons vs. Limes! What's Your Favorite? #lemon #lime - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey're both fairly compatible nutritionally they both boost the immune. System it helps theMoreThey're both fairly compatible nutritionally they both boost the immune. System it helps the production of white blood cells that acts as an antioxidant.

Should lime trees have thorns?

Common citrus trees with thorns include lemon trees, limes, some orange trees, pomelo, tangelo, and grapefruit. The thorns are not poisonous and should not be removed except if they impede the harvesting of fruits. The thorns protect the plant from herbivores and store water for use during drought.

What kind of lemon tree has thorns?

Answer: All of the citrus trees we grow -- including lemon, satsuma, kumquat, grapefruit and orange -- are capable of producing thorny growth. This is natural and no cause for concern.

Does Lime Tree have big thorns?

Although lime trees, with their small, stocky profile and thorny branches, look rather tough, the fruit is actually sensitive to cold. Most commercially valuable lime trees do have small thorns, and although thornless varieties are more desirable, they are less productive, according to Texas A&M Aggie Horticulture.

Why is my lime tree growing thorns?

Hi Denni, Citrus trees are grafted onto rootstock to reduce the incidence of disease. Occasionally the root stock from below the graft will shoot and this has large thorns. Remove the root stock and check the graft to see that it is healthy.

How to tell the difference between a lemon tree and a lime tree?

Remove a leaf, crush it and smell the leaf’s oils. The lemon tree’s leaves will have a strong lemon odor, while the lime leaves will smell like lime.

How to tell if a tree is lime or lemon?

No matter what part of the growth cycle the tree is in, you can tell whether it is lime or lemon in as little as a minute. Examine the leaves. Lemon leaves are long and narrow, usually around 5 inches long. Lime leaves are more rounded and shorter, usually between 3 and 4 inches long. Tear a leaf open and smell it.

How to tell if a citrus tree is ripe?

Lemon and lime trees are particularly tricky to identify as their fruit and blossoms can look very similar, especially when they aren’t fully ripe. Ripe lemons generally have a ridged or bumpy surface. Lemon trees’ leaves tend to be oblong, elliptical and can grow up to 5 inches long. While both lemon and lime blossoms have the same scent, the lemon tree flowers’ scent is generally stronger. Remove a leaf, crush it and smell the leaf’s oils. The lemon tree’s leaves will have a strong lemon odor, while the lime leaves will smell like lime. Remove a piece of fruit and cut it in half. Smell the fruit and examine the peel.

What is the difference between lemon and lime?

Lemon leaves have a very mild citrus aroma while lime leaves have a bold lime smell. Examine the flowers if they are present. Lemon flowers grow in pairs or singles and are tinted purple. Lime leaves grow in small clusters and are completely white. Lemon leaves are long and narrow, usually around 5 inches long.

What does a lemon tree smell like?

The lemon tree’s leaves will have a strong lemon odor, while the lime leaves will smell like lime. Remove a piece of fruit and cut it in half. Smell the fruit and examine the peel. Examine the fruit if it is present.

How tall can a lemon tree grow?

A fully grown lemon tree can grow up to 20 feet tall with widespread branches. Lime trees are generally more narrow and shorter, usually no taller than 13 feet at full height. To the untrained eye, lemon trees and lime trees look nearly identical, unless they have ripe fruit on them. No matter what part of the growth cycle the tree is in, ...

Do lemon trees and lime trees look alike?

Lemon and Lime image by ne_fall_photos from Fotolia.com. To the untrained eye, lemon trees and lime trees look nearly identical, unless they have ripe fruit on them. They both grow in the same regions and have the same general shape, bark texture and color.

How to tell if a lemon is thicker than a lime?

Remove a piece of fruit and cut it in half. Smell the fruit and examine the peel. Lemons tend to have a thicker peel, while lime peels are quite thin.

What does a lemon tree smell like?

Score the rind of the fruit carefully. Lemon trees' fruit will smell like lemons, while limes will display a strong lime scent.

What color are lemons?

Look at the ripe fruit. Most varieties of lemons are yellow or variegated with stripes of yellow and light green. Ripe lemons generally have a ridged or bumpy surface. Ripe limes are generally dark green but some varieties, such as Key Limes, are pale yellow when they ripen. Ripe limes tend to have smooth skin.

Are lemons and limes the same?

Lemons and limes are not the same even though both are citrus fruits that share similar nutritional benefits and botanical characteristics. You can check for unique identification features of each to determine whether the fruit you are holding is a lemon fruit or lime.

Differences between lime and lemon

Lemon and lime trees share similar features that make it difficult to differentiate one from the other. Both belong to the citrus family, have almost similar growing requirements, and have similar-looking fruits. But there are some features that distinguish them.

Lemon identification features

Lemons are large, succulent, oval-shaped fruits that have numerous health benefits. Unlike some members of the citrus family (like oranges and tangerines), lemons exhibit a sour taste when pressed for their juice. However, you can look for additional characteristics to help you distinguish lemons from other similar-looking fruits

Lime tree identification features

Lime trees have unique physical features that make it easy to distinguish between a lime tree and other members of the citrus family.

The Fruit

First and foremost, look carefully if the tree has grown fruit. This is the easiest and quickest way to identify what tree is in front of you.

The Leaves

In case no fruits are present, you can go ahead and check the leaves. At first glance, lemon and lime leaves look the same. Their leaves are a dark and glossy green, as is the norm for most citrus fruit trees.

The Flowers

Flowers aren't usually a point of conversation when it comes to limes and lemons, but it is a pretty useful way of identifying a fruit tree. This method of distinguishing a tree can still be hard, because occasionally, lemon and lime trees have similar-looking flowers.

The Bark

If you're ever in a pinch, and you still haven't decided whether the tree in front of you is a lime or a lemon, then it's time to use the tree bark.

How to tell the difference between a lemon tree and a lime tree?

A few investigative strategies can help you compare the two to find the difference between a lemon tree and a lime tree. Break off a leaf from the tree and rip it in half. Sniff the torn pieces. You will notice a lime-like smell on leaves from a lime tree, while lemon leaves have a mild or indistinguishable citrus smell. Look at the tree's fruit.

How to tell if a lemon is a lime?

How to Tell a Lemon From a Lime Tree. Lemons and limes may both be sour--though sweet variations do exist, they're relatively uncommon in North American gardens--but they are completely different fruit. If you are growing both types of citrus in your yard, you may forget which tree is which, especially when the trees are not bearing fruit.

How to tell if a citrus tree is ripe?

Lemon and lime trees are particularly tricky to identify as their fruit and blossoms can look very similar, especially when they aren’t fully ripe. Ripe lemons generally have a ridged or bumpy surface. Lemon trees’ leaves tend to be oblong, elliptical and can grow up to 5 inches long. While both lemon and lime blossoms have the same scent, the lemon tree flowers’ scent is generally stronger. Remove a leaf, crush it and smell the leaf’s oils. The lemon tree’s leaves will have a strong lemon odor, while the lime leaves will smell like lime. Remove a piece of fruit and cut it in half. Smell the fruit and examine the peel.

How to tell if a lemon tree has a lemon smell?

Break off a leaf from the tree and rip it in half. Sniff the torn pieces. You will notice a lime-like smell on leaves from a lime tree, while lemon leaves have a mild or indistinguishable citrus smell.

How long do lemon trees grow?

Ripe lemons generally have a ridged or bumpy surface. Lemon trees’ leaves tend to be oblong, elliptical and can grow up to 5 inches long. While both lemon and lime blossoms have the same scent, the lemon tree flowers’ scent is generally stronger. Remove a leaf, crush it and smell the leaf’s oils. The lemon tree’s leaves will have ...

Is a lemon a sour fruit?

Lemons and limes may both be sour--though sweet variations do exist, they're relatively uncommon in North American gardens--but they are completely different fruit. Examine the tree's flowers. If you see flowers with a purplish tint in their centers or edges, it's a lemon tree. Lime flowers are mostly white. Compare tree and leaf sizes, though this ...

How tall do lemon trees get?

Lemon Tree. Mature lemon trees measures up to 20 feet tall and their leaves grow to about 4 or 5 inches. Lemons have antiseptic capability that in some Asian countries they are used to clean wounds and are also used as an antidote to some minor poisons.

Why do limes smell?

The leaves, as well as the barks, contain strong and distinct scent of lime if you try to break it. In the old days, lime fruits are use to cure the scurvy which is an inflammatory disease in the mouth due to lack of Vitamin C in the body.

What are the three citrus trees that are very fragile against cold environment conditions?

Lime tree and lemon tree, as well as the citron tree, are the three citrus trees that are very fragile against cold environment conditions making them suitable to be grown in Asian countries where there are ample amount of heat from the sun. Their fruits are both rich in Vitamin C and Calcium.

Is a lemon tree shorter than a lime tree?

Lime trees are always shorter than lemon trees. Take a leaf from any of the tree and smell it. If it has a noticeable smell of lime then it’s a lime tree but if it hasn’t any smell at all then it’s a lemon tree. In terms of Vitamin contents in their fruits, lemons are greater than lime in Vitamin C while limes are greater than lemons in Vitamin A.

Is lemon a vitamin?

In terms of Vitamin contents in their fruits, lemons are greater than lime in Vitamin C while limes are greater than lemons in Vitamin A. The statements by others that lemon fruits are yellow and lime fruits are green are misleading ones.

How to tell if a lemon tree has a strong scent?

Smell a sample of the tree bark. Carefully break off a leaf and smell the exposed bark underneath. The bark of a lemon tree has no perceptible scent, while the bark of a lime tree has a very strong lime scent.

How tall do lime trees get?

Examine the size of the tree. Generally, lime trees are smaller than lemon trees. Lime trees grow to be 6 to 13 feet tall. Lemon trees, on the other hand, will grow to be 10 to 20 feet tall.

How to tell if a lime tree is a lemon?

If you have a lime tree, snap off a fairly new leaf and smell the newly exposed bark. My lime trees smell very strongly whereas I could not tell a lemon tree by leaf smell alone. Key limes are very small, round and bear in clusters. The lemons I have (Lisbon and Eureka) have very pointed ends.

How do I tell the difference between an unripe lemon & lime?

I am new to citrus trees. I have a lemon and lime tree and can't tell the difference. I tried doing it by smell, but some fruits smelled like key limes and are small like a key lime and others had no smell at all and are larger. Is it possible that there can be two kinds of fruit on my trees?

How to tell the difference between a lemon tree and a lime tree?

Remove a leaf, crush it and smell the leaf’s oils. The lemon tree’s leaves will have a strong lemon odor, while the lime leaves will smell like lime.

How to tell if a tree is lime or lemon?

No matter what part of the growth cycle the tree is in, you can tell whether it is lime or lemon in as little as a minute. Examine the leaves. Lemon leaves are long and narrow, usually around 5 inches long. Lime leaves are more rounded and shorter, usually between 3 and 4 inches long. Tear a leaf open and smell it.

How to tell if a citrus tree is ripe?

Lemon and lime trees are particularly tricky to identify as their fruit and blossoms can look very similar, especially when they aren’t fully ripe. Ripe lemons generally have a ridged or bumpy surface. Lemon trees’ leaves tend to be oblong, elliptical and can grow up to 5 inches long. While both lemon and lime blossoms have the same scent, the lemon tree flowers’ scent is generally stronger. Remove a leaf, crush it and smell the leaf’s oils. The lemon tree’s leaves will have a strong lemon odor, while the lime leaves will smell like lime. Remove a piece of fruit and cut it in half. Smell the fruit and examine the peel.

What is the difference between lemon and lime?

Lemon leaves have a very mild citrus aroma while lime leaves have a bold lime smell. Examine the flowers if they are present. Lemon flowers grow in pairs or singles and are tinted purple. Lime leaves grow in small clusters and are completely white. Lemon leaves are long and narrow, usually around 5 inches long.

What does a lemon tree smell like?

The lemon tree’s leaves will have a strong lemon odor, while the lime leaves will smell like lime. Remove a piece of fruit and cut it in half. Smell the fruit and examine the peel. Examine the fruit if it is present.

How tall can a lemon tree grow?

A fully grown lemon tree can grow up to 20 feet tall with widespread branches. Lime trees are generally more narrow and shorter, usually no taller than 13 feet at full height. To the untrained eye, lemon trees and lime trees look nearly identical, unless they have ripe fruit on them. No matter what part of the growth cycle the tree is in, ...

Do lemon trees and lime trees look alike?

Lemon and Lime image by ne_fall_photos from Fotolia.com. To the untrained eye, lemon trees and lime trees look nearly identical, unless they have ripe fruit on them. They both grow in the same regions and have the same general shape, bark texture and color.

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Are Lemons and Limes The same?

Differences Between Lime and Lemon

  • Lemon and lime trees share similar features that make it difficult to differentiate one from the other. Both belong to the citrus family, have almost similar growing requirements, and have similar-looking fruits. But there are some features that distinguish them. Here are the differences between lime and lemon trees: Both lemon and lime trees are c...
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Lemon Identification Features

  • Lemons are large, succulent, oval-shaped fruits that have numerous health benefits. Unlike some members of the citrus family (like oranges and tangerines), lemons exhibit a sour taste when pressed for their juice. However, you can look for additional characteristics to help you distinguish lemons from other similar-looking fruits Here are some unique lemon tree identification features:
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Lime Tree Identification Features

  • Lime trees have unique physical features that make it easy to distinguish between a lime tree and other members of the citrus family. You can use some of the key identification features of lime trees (and fruits) to help you correctly identify a lime tree from, say, a Meyer lemon tree, by considering characteristics such as the fruit size, color, tree size, etc. Here are some unique lim…
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References

1.Videos of How Do You Tell The Difference Between a Lemon And …

Url:/videos/search?q=how+do+you+tell+the+difference+between+a+lemon+and+a+lime+tree&qpvt=how+do+you+tell+the+difference+between+a+lemon+and+a+lime+tree&FORM=VDRE

13 hours ago  · Lime trees have a smooth textured thin epicarp; the epicarp contains some aromatic compounds that give the lime smell. Lemon, however, has a thick outer skin and has …

2.Lime Tree vs Lemon Tree: How to Tell the Difference

Url:https://gardenine.com/lime-vs-lemon/

31 hours ago The most apparent visual feature to differentiate between lemon and lime is the shape of their leaves. Lemon leaves are typically longer and oval-shaped, kind of how lemon fruits are more …

3.How Do You Tell the Difference Between a Lemon and a …

Url:https://www.gardenguides.com/119526-tell-difference-between-lemon-lime-tree.html

6 hours ago  · Sniff the torn pieces. You will notice a lime-like smell on leaves from a lime tree, while lemon leaves have a mild or indistinguishable citrus smell. Look at the tree's fruit. Even …

4.Lime Tree vs Lemon Tree: How to Tell the Difference

Url:https://prettybackyard.com/lemon-tree-vs-lime-tree/

8 hours ago  · Difference between Lime Tree and Lemon Tree. When you happen to see lemon and lime tress, it is very easy to differentiate which is which by the height of the tree. Lime …

5.The Difference Between A Lime and A Lemon Tree - PreReal

Url:https://www.prereal.com/blog/the-difference-between-a-lime-and-a-lemon-tree.html

11 hours ago If you have a lime tree, snap off a fairly new leaf and smell the newly exposed bark. My lime trees smell very strongly whereas I could not tell a lemon tree by leaf smell alone. Key limes are very …

6.Garden Guides | How to Tell a Lemon From a Lime Tree

Url:https://www.gardenguides.com/90895-tell-lemon-lime-tree/

30 hours ago

7.Difference Between Lime and Lemon Trees

Url:https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-lime-and-vs-lemon-trees/

25 hours ago

8.How can you tell if you have a lemon or a lime tree?

Url:https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=305357

13 hours ago

9.How do I tell the difference between an unripe lemon

Url:https://www.houzz.com/discussions/1839272/how-do-i-tell-the-difference-between-an-unripe-lemon-lime

31 hours ago

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