Poncirus trifoliata Flying Dragon

Poncirus trifoliata ‘Flying Dragon’ is a rare contorted form of hardy orange selected for its dramatic, zigzagging branches and curved thorns. Long used as a rootstock in citrus breeding for its cold tolerance, this cultivar gained ornamental recognition for its sculptural, almost mythical winter silhouette. Glossy green trifoliate leaves drop in fall, revealing the twisted architecture beneath, followed by fragrant white spring flowers and small ornamental fruit. It grows best in full sun with well-drained soil and has a slow to moderate growth rate. Hardy in USDA Zones 6–9, it typically forms a large, irregular shrub and is prized as a specimen plant and living sculpture.