Thornless Mexican lime tree with clusters of small round green key limes on smooth twigs

Thornless Mexican Lime

Citrus aurantifolia
Categories:
Citrus  ·  
Lemons & Limes
Light
Full sun
Water
Water deeply, wetting soil 2–3 feet deep around established trees, then allow the upper few inches to dry. Water more frequently during summer and less in winter; avoid constantly wet soil.
Size
8-12 ft tall × 8-10 ft wide
Habit
Upright tree – single-trunk
Toxicity
Toxic — Pets & Humans
Description
A nearly thornless selection of Mexican or Key lime (Citrus aurantifolia), producing small, thin-skinned, aromatic, seedy limes with tart juice. Well suited to warm Phoenix microclimates with frost protection.
Bloom Time
Spring
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Edible, Fragrant, Thorny / Spiny
Growth Rate
Moderate
Growth Habit
Upright tree – single-trunk
Mature Size
8-12 ft tall × 8-10 ft wide
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Dark green
Landscape Use
Container / Patio, Edible / Orchard
Garden Style
Edible Garden
Soil
Alkaline Tolerant, Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Cool-season nasturtiums, Marigolds, Society garlic
Toxic — Pets & Humans
Toxic to pets if ingested; fruit edible to humans
Care Instructions

Light: Full sun for best fruiting; afternoon shade is beneficial in Phoenix, especially for young trees during extreme summer heat.

Water: Water deeply, wetting soil 2–3 feet deep around established trees, then allow the upper few inches to dry. Water more frequently during summer and less in winter; avoid constantly wet soil.

Soil: Well-drained soil; sandy loam preferred. Tolerates Phoenix’s alkaline soils but may develop micronutrient deficiencies. Keep the root flare above grade and avoid poorly drained planting sites.

Mature size: Typically 10–15 feet tall and 8–15 feet wide; size varies with rootstock, pruning, and growing conditions.

Bloom: Main bloom occurs in spring, with additional flowering possible during warm weather. Fruit generally ripens about 4–6 months after flowering.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen; may shed leaves after frost, drought, or other stress.

Growth rate: Moderate to fast with adequate warmth, irrigation, and citrus fertilizer.