The sweet orange (citrus x sinensis) is a tender perennial fruit in the Citrus family that grows on trees both full size and smaller, dwarf trees. Oranges are a summer fruit that grow in warm weather, and are very sensitive to cold and frost.

Is an orange tree a tree?

The orange tree is an evergreen, flowering tree, with an average height of 9 to 10 m (30 to 33 ft), although some very old specimens can reach 15 m (49 ft). Its oval leaves, alternately arranged, are 4 to 10 cm (1.6 to 3.9 in) long and have crenulate margins.

What kind of tree do oranges grow on?

Orange trees (Citrus sinensis) thrive in subtropical climates generally found in USDA zones 9 through 11, or you can grow them indoors, where you can protect them from freezing.

Although Citrus is a subtropical genus, fragrant and flavorful citrus fruit can be grown almost anywhere. From lemons and limes to oranges and grapefruit, citrus trees are fun and rewarding plants to grow—but not without some work!