A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Plants and Flowers Forum Shrubs and Trees Crown of Thorns bush

Hi,

Mom has had a crown of thorns bush in her yard for about 20 years. It has 3 inch long spines and small white blossoms and green leaves in spring. Right now it has small (little larger than a golf ball) fruits that are slightly fuzzy like a peach. They are golden in color and when cut open, they are similar to lemons--seeds and pulp too. It keeps growing and I keep pruning the top which is about 15 ft high right now. We live 6 miles north of Washington, DC and have never done anything for it (no fertilizer or special anything). I found only one picture on another website that looked similar. Can anyone tell me what type it is or if it's a hybrid? Are the fruits poisonous? I would appreciate any info anyone could give me. Unfortunately, I don't know how to attach a picture. Thanks. LindaRose

Welcome to the forum.
I think it could be Poncirus trifoliata aka bitter orange. Please look it up and see if it fits your plant.